Open to anyone to attend, Predator Free New Zealand Trust (PFNZT) in conjunction with Southern Lakes Sanctuary (SLS) are holding the all-day Southern Regional Predator Free Hui at the Queenstown Events Centre next Friday, at which Cam Speedy, known for his decades of expertise in predator control and ecosystem management, will be one of the speakers.
Speedy, who’s worked on national kiwi and whio (blue duck) recovery programmes, has a huge depth of knowledge of how to make traps more effective, and will be on hand to provide some golden tips for turning empty traps into predator magnets.
Also included in the line-up are Predator Free Wellington’s James Willcocks, who’ll talk about what it takes to make an entire city predator free and how to bring the community along; SLS’ Paul Kavanagh, who’ll provide local updates; and PFNZT’s Jessi Morgan, who’ll discuss cats and progress in the Predator Free 2050 mission.
"Native species are here in our towns, suburbs, parks, reserves and farms, and protecting them is something we can all be part of," PFNZT communities adviser Janine Hearn says.
"Trapping rats, possums and stoats is a practical way everyone can make a difference.
"But you aren’t on your own.
"That’s what this event is about — connecting people, sharing ideas and tactics, and hearing from others around the country working to protect wildlife in their own communities."
Next Friday’s catered hui, at which there’ll also be an exhibitors’ showcase, runs from 9am till 4.30pm — to register, visit predatorfreenz.org/qtown
