Updates from MCC’s Biodiversity and Pest Management Groups
Biodiversity and Restoration Group Update
The BAR Group has had a strong period of activity. We welcomed Wayne O’Keefe, whose extensive background in ecological restoration, community conservation, and landscape‑scale projects adds real depth to the group. Wayne also facilitated the recent Forest that Lasts workshop.
Plant distribution has been significant, with 2,500 Trees That Count plants allocated to 11 landowners and a further 1,500 plants supplied from Bill’s Nursery. All plantings are now recorded through the online mapping platform, which captures photos, mapped locations, and survival data.
The Community Nursery Network continues to grow, with seven nurseries producing between 500 and 4,000 plants annually. New nurseries are emerging through the Tasman Bay Guardians initiative, with Brooklyn School making strong progress and Tapawera Area School’s nursery infrastructure now in place.
A rare plant programme is being developed, focusing on species such as divaricating shrubs and rimu. Progress is currently limited by a poor seed year and the need for DOC partnership.
Recent restoration activity includes support for planting at Haycocks Bush, tōtara direct‑seeding trials on three properties, and planning for a wetland tour, a home‑nursery online event, and a potential poplar and willow nursery. Workshops on forest succession, seed collection, and seedling giveaways have continued to build community capability and interest.
Pest Management Group Update
The Pest Management Group has continued to expand predator control efforts across the catchment. At Haycocks Bush, old man’s beard control is progressing well, supported by volunteer days and a recent barberry‑removal session with Fish & Game and the Nelson Trout Club. External funding applications have been submitted to secure contractor support for the more technical areas of the site.
The Motueka Town Trapping Project has now distributed around 100 traps, with strong community uptake and active TrapNZ reporting. A further 100 traps are ready to roll out, with the aim of eventually covering the wider Motueka township.
On the Motueka Delta, 30 DOC200 traps have been secured at no cost, with another 20 to be added from MCC stocks. Iwi support is in place, and deployment is planned for winter. The group will also inherit the Whakapaetuara/Motueka Delta trapline (62 traps) established by TDC, NRAIT, and Tasman Bay Guardians.
At Shedwood Bush, 40 DOC200s and 4 AT220s have removed 177 pests in six months, the majority possums. The project will soon transition to the Shedwood Bush Betterers group, with MCC continuing to provide technical support.
Community engagement remains strong, with recent market stalls, attendance at the Top of the South trapping hui, and upcoming events including sessions with Sam the Trap Man and a farmer‑focused pest management day planned for later in the year.
