New Plymouth has far fewer rats than it did five years ago, thanks to the efforts of thousands of dedicated backyard trappers. Towards Predator-Free Taranaki recently carried out its annual rat tracking monitoring at nine sites across the city. At each site 10 tracking tunnels were baited with peanut butter and left out for one fine night. In the morning, prints on an inked card revealed whether there were rodents or other creatures present. This year rats were detected at just 13% of the
Taranaki residents are being urged to be cautious around rivers, with potentially toxic cyanobacteria detected earlier in the season than usual. Taranaki Regional Council has found exposed mats of cyanobacteria in four rivers - the Manganui, Waingongoro, Kaupokonui and Waiwhakaiho rivers - raising health concerns for both swimmers and pets. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is a naturally occurring algae that often grows in rivers on rocks as thick brown or black mats. It has the
categories are below and more details about the winners and highly commended awardees, including video profiles, can be found at www.trc.govt.nz/award-winners/ Environmental Action in the Community: Rāhui Tīma - For working collaboratively to take action to protect or enhance the environment, or increasing understanding of environmental issues. This project is protecting shellfish along 70km of the Taranaki coastline, from the Herekawe Stream in New Plymouth to the Taungātara Stream just south of
Have you seen a dead or unhealthy kahikatea tree in Taranaki? Kahikatea (white pine) around the North Island are dying and experts are trying to figure out why. There have been reports of trees dying across the North Island and we’re aware of a handful of affected trees in Taranaki. We need to hear if there are more. Please keep an eye out and report any kahikatea: With yellow, brown or lost leaves, bare branches
That are stalky, rotting or appear unhealthy or dead How to report it: Email a
The Can I Swim Here water quality monitoring has come to a close for the 2023/24 summer. Over the past five months, we took more than 850 routine water samples from 41 swim spots at rivers, lakes and beaches – with the results shared weekly on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website. The Taranaki pages had more than 28,000 views, which was awesome. A few reminders, especially for those hardy souls still heading out in the water: Stay alert for thick brown or black mats growing on rocks in
The Connector runs six return trips Monday to Friday between Hāwera and New Plymouth, extending from and to Opunake on the first and last run. Info line: 0800 26 63 28 Connector timetable Hospital patients/visitors must book (for all services, no matter what time of day) by calling the TDHB - Hāwera 278 9929, Stratford 765 7189 or New Plymouth 753 6139. All other Connector bookings are no longer essential. WITT students travel for free and must produce a current WITT student ID card when
spread by wind. We went downwind checking dozens of gardens and inspecting cracks in driveways, where small vines and seedlings can hide away. Already this year we’ve logged at least 45 new moth plant sites, ranging from a plant with 188 fist-sized pods to a single seedling. Secondly, now is a great time to act. Plants are podding so they are easier to spot. In another month or so the pods will split open and the seeds will spread, which we want to avoid. So what’s so bad about moth plant? Similar to
incredible event attracting people from all over New Zealand. We wanted to help make it more accessible for people in those communities without transport and encourage others to ditch their car for the night. “We’re expecting a festive, family-friendly atmosphere on the buses, which will drop off and pick up at the Fillis St gate meaning no parking worries or long walk back to the car at the end of the night.” The Saturday services began on 2 December and will run again on 9 and 16 December. The usual
prone to pollution. The results were similar to the previous year. Council Director - Environment Quality, Abby Matthews, says that while water quality is generally good in Taranaki lakes, some do occasionally experience cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae or algal blooms. “While bacteria levels are generally low, some of our lakes experience potentially harmful algal blooms, which can make people and dogs sick if they come into contact with or ingest the algae. It’s important lake
Taranaki Regional Council is now livestreaming all of its meetings, giving the public more opportunities to get involved in local democracy. The public can already attend meetings but will now be able to watch decisions being made by the elected members from their home or office. Chair Charlotte Littlewood urged members of the public to go online and find out more about the work being done around Taranaki by the Council. “Our region is a special place and your elected members are making some