Making Wellington predator free

Plans to make Wellington the world’s first predator free capital city were outlined by Alastair Henshaw, who was the guest speaker at the April meeting of The REBUS Club of Khandallah.

Alastair Henshaw, the Community Engagement and Field Officer, from Predator Free Wellington, spoke about making the capital a place where our native species can thrive. Making Wellington predator free involves the commitment of thousands of households, community groups and organisations who are all working together to remove every single rat, possum, stoat and weasel from the entire Wellington area.

Phase 1 of the predator eradication project began on the Miramar Peninsula.

Norway rats and weasels have been eradicated and Predator Free Wellington is now chasing down the last remaining ship rats.

The outcome has been amazing, Alastair said.

There has been a 500% increase in Piwakawaka, a 275% increase in riroriro, a 200% increase in tree w and geckos and skinks have also increased.

Previously absent native birds have also returned to the peninsula, including earea, i, and ruru.

People who would like to get

OHS seeking members

By Frank Neill

As its annual meeting approaches, the Onslow Historical Society (OHS) is looking for new members.

The annual meeting will be held at 7:30pm on 24 May at KATE, 86 Khandallah Road.

“The committee welcomes new members as it builds its succession plan and a strategic plan for the future of OHS,” the annual meeting invitation says.

“If you have experience and time to offer and would like to consider joining us please be in touch with the President Judy Siers 027 345

0374 or email siersjudy@ gmail.com.”

OHS is seeking people who are willing and have knowledge and interest in local history and have secretarial, accounting, writing, research, archival, IT, event planning, PR, management and business, and good communication talent.

As well as the annual meeting business, Geraldine Needham-Girven will make a presentation at the meeting on the new OHS website.

OHS member George Walter will also give a talk, with video screenings, on his historic “By George” series.

involved with trapping in their backyard or local reserve, can get in touch with the local trapping group at https://www.pfw.org.nz/ trapping/.

REBUS is a club for seniors and meets on the last Friday of the month.

The next meeting is on Friday 26 May at 10 am at the Khandallah Bowling Club, Woodmancote Road.

The guest speaker will be Nick Lambrechtsen who will speak about “The Longest Floating Bailey Bridge of World War Two.”

Visitors are welcome. More information about the club is on the REBUS website – search the internet for Khandallah REBUS.