Posted on 21 February 2024
An effort to preserve native wildlife and habitats on the West Coast has received a significant boost through a collaboration between the Motukiekie Wilderness Trust, Paparoa Wildlife Trust and the Rainy Creek Ecological Restoration Trust. The three trusts have joined forces to work more efficiently and effectively in their combined operational areas, which span across key locations in the Paparoa Range and the Victoria Forest Park, covering a total area of over 18,650 hectares.
Previously, each trust had been working independently to remove stoats and rats from large areas of native forest, with the aim of preserving the habitat for indigenous species such as kiwi and long-tailed bats. However, with support from Development West Coast, the three organisations have come together to pilot a new collaborative model. This model has proven to be an effective way of bringing greater efficiency of resources, particularly for project finances and volunteer hours. It has also provided a mechanism for the sharing of knowledge and expertise across the three project areas and has enabled the creation of employment opportunities in the region.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in community-driven conservation efforts along the West Coast and its success has attracted the attention of NBS, a local banking services provider, who wanted to support the project.
Being locally owned by its clients, NBS annually distributes profits back into the community through sponsorships and grants to hundreds of organisations in the sporting, arts, health, educational, and environmental sectors. Recognising the vital role of conservation efforts in preserving natural heritage and boosting the local economy, NBS has chosen to support initiatives like the Paparoa predator control partnership.
Karen Atkinson, NBS Branch Manager in Greymouth shared her perspective on the importance of supporting this project:
At NBS, we understand the important role of conservation efforts in preserving our natural heritage and boosting the local economy. By supporting initiatives like the Paparoa predator control partnership, we aim to contribute to the improvement of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Zak Shaw, Project Lead of the Nature Economy Project at Development West Coast, expressed gratitude for the support received from NBS and other funders. He stated that NBS' involvement has improved the effectiveness of predator control, uplifted community morale, and sustained employment in the region.