Jobs for Nature March 2023 update

The trust has reached the midway point of our Jobs for Nature project. Our team consists of eight Kaimahi, two team leads, two managers and an administrator, all of whom are dedicated to significantly increasing pest control in Puketi. The team plan, cut, install and service pest control lines so that by the end of the project, in September 2024 Puketi Forest Trust’s protection will increase from 5,500ha to 18,982ha across Puketi and Omahuta Forest.

The current quarter’s goals are to complete three possum lines in our core extension area and two of our larger stoat lines in North Puketi. This means, flagging the lines with GPS mapping, cutting through the bush, carrying the traps into the forest, installing the traps and finally auditing the lines before it is signed off ready for the next service round.  The map below shows the coverage that we are gaining through the project. The team has smashed their goals despite very trying weather conditions, a cyclone, steep terrain and thick bush, the team have proved to be hard-working, dedicated and passionate about their work.

Solid Lines= complete Dotted lines = to be completed Red lines = Existing PFT Pink and brown lines = DOC lines

Coming up the team will be undertaking their NZQA Level three in Pest Control Operations. This will give the team the theory behind the practical work that they are already carrying out, standing the team in good stead as we transition out of being an employer and into issuing contracts to maintain and service the network of pest control that the team have installed.