The Predator Free Mt Te Kinga Project: What’s Been Achieved and What Comes Next

Mt Te Kinga is more than a backdrop for Lake Brunner’s wild beauty—it’s home to rare native birds, ancient forest, and fragile ecosystems that deserve protection. Over the last few years, the Predator Free Project at Mt Te Kinga has made remarkable strides.

What’s Been Achieved So Far

• Trapping and Monitoring: A network of rat traps has been installed, with ongoing monitoring to reduce predator numbers that threaten native birds and insects.
• Habitat Restoration: Local volunteers and lodge supporters have replanted areas of native bush, restoring balance to the forest edges.
• Community Involvement: The project has created a sense of guardianship among locals and guests, sparking education and awareness around conservation.
• Measurable Impact: Early results show reduced predator pressure and a stronger foothold for native species like kererū and korimako.

The Challenge Now

Government funding for Predator Free Mt Te Kinga has ended. That means the project’s future relies on grassroots support—from visitors, locals, and anyone who values New Zealand’s natural heritage.

What You Can Do Going Forward

• Donate or Sponsor a Trap: Every trap maintained makes a direct impact on predator numbers.
• Volunteer Your Time: Help with checking traps, or planting days.
• Spread the Word: Share the story of Mt Te Kinga’s predator-free journey. Awareness leads to action.
• Adopt a Long-Term View: Even small regular contributions - time, money, or advocacy, can add up to big change for the mountain and its wildlife.

Why It Matters

Predator-free projects aren’t just about saving birds. They’re about preserving the identity of our landscapes, ensuring that future generations can wake to native dawn choruses rather than silence.

Mt Te Kinga has come too far to turn back now. The work is ongoing, the challenge is real, and the future is in our hands.