GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki Strengthens Predator Control At Two Iconic Hauraki Coromandel "Must-Do" Destinations

GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki has boosted on-the-ground predator control in Hauraki Coromandel with the gifting of two AT220 self-resetting traps to support biodiversity at two ecologically significant sites.

The traps, along with lure and top-up supplies, were purchased with support from Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust and gifted through GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki, which connects tourism with tangible conservation outcomes across the region.

GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki is a regenerative tourism initiative led by Destination Hauraki Coromandel, designed to turn visitor and business support into real conservation action. Through the programme, businesses, locals and visitors can donate native trees to be planted at sites they connect with across the region, with each donation supporting both native planting and on-the-ground predator control.

This support is delivered directly into some of the region's most ecologically significant places.

One AT220 trap was gifted to the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre, an internationally significant coastal wetland and one of 18 planting sites within GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki. The site is a rare chenier plain and provides critical habitat and rich feeding grounds for resident and migratory shorebirds, including the kūaka (bar-tailed godwit), which rely on the area to rest and refuel before their long migration to Alaska.

Kylie Hawker-Green, General Manager of Destination Hauraki Coromandel, gifted the trap to Tansy, Kaitiaki Ranger at the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre.

Tansy welcomed the addition of the AT220 trap, noting that its self-resetting technology allows it to be placed close to sensitive shorebird habitat without the need for frequent checking or resetting. This significantly reduces disturbance to the resident birds while they are nesting and vulnerable to predation.

“Being able to protect birds from predators while also minimising human disturbance is incredibly important for this site,” said Tansy. “This trap allows us to do both.”

The second AT220 trap was gifted to the Hahei Community Conservation Group and will be installed near Cathedral Cove, another GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki planting site. The area is home to dwarf mistletoe, a rare and threatened native parasitic plant that grows on mānuka and kānuka and is highly vulnerable to browsing by possums.

Following the discovery of dwarf mistletoe at the site, mānuka was planted during a recent planting day to help expand suitable habitat. Ongoing predator control is essential to protect the species, and the new AT220 trap will strengthen the existing trapline maintained by the Hahei Community Conservation Group, helping to safeguard both the threatened plant and surrounding birdlife in this iconic coastal environment.

The trap was presented to Brian Green from the Hahei Community Conservation Group by Tom from Hahei Explorer, one of the ambassadors of GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki.

Hahei Explorer has integrated the initiative directly into its booking system, allowing customers to add a tree donation to their experience. To date, Hahei Explorer and their customers have donated 104 native trees through the programme, contributing $104 towards predator control.

“These traps are a great example of how tourism, community groups and conservation organisations can work together to create real, lasting impact,” said Kylie Hawker-Green. “It’s about protecting the places people come here to experience, and making sure those environments are thriving for generations to come.”

The gifting of the traps comes as GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki moves into its second season. Donations are now open to support the next round of native planting, with winter planting days planned across the region in 2026. Funds raised continue to support both planting and predator control, ensuring long-term protection for some of Hauraki Coromandel’s most treasured environments.

Notes:

• GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki is a regenerative tourism initiative led by Destination Hauraki Coromandel
• The initiative currently supports 18 planting sites across Hauraki Coromandel
• Native trees are eco-sourced and planted in partnership with local community groups, iwi and conservation organisations
• For every tree donated, $1 is allocated to on-the-ground predator control.
• The initiative is now in Season 2, with winter planting days planned for 2026.

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