Predator Free Waihī Beach has received a significant boost in its fight to restore the natural ecosystem of Bowentown, thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from the Pio Shores Sports and Community Association.

The funding, spread over 12 months, directly supports trapping and monitoring efforts in the area, helping to protect native wildlife and regenerate biodiversity.

The donation underscores the commitment of the Pio Shores group to environmental stewardship and community-led conservation initiatives.

With ongoing predator control, the project aims to reduce the impact of invasive species such as rats, stoats, and possums, which threaten native birds, lizards, and insects.

“This incredible contribution from the Pio Shores Sports and Community Association is a game-changer for our work at Bowentown,” said Predator Free Waihī Beach co-ordinator Susan Lean.

“It ensures that we can continue our trapping efforts, expand our monitoring programmes, and engage more volunteers in protecting our unique coastal environment.”

So far, Lean said, the group had eradicated more than 2700 target predators from the area and were seeing the return of bellbird/korimako, morepork/rūrū and bittern/matuku-hūrepo.

Predator Free Waihī Beach is a grassroots initiative dedicated to restoring native habitats through strategic predator control and community action.

The project aligns with the national Predator Free 2050 vision and has seen growing success with increasing support from local volunteers, businesses, and organisations.

“We are proud to support Predator Free Waihī Beach and the mahi being done to protect our local environment,” said Pio Shores association treasurer Gail Kelly.

“Bowentown is a special place, and we want to see it thrive for generations to come. By investing in predator control, we’re investing in a future where our native species can flourish.

“Our association also supports other community facilities such as the Surf Lifesaving Club, BMX track, and tennis court.”

This donation to Predator Free will help fund essential trapping equipment, bait, volunteer training, and monitoring efforts to track progress.

The ongoing work at Bowentown contributes to a broader vision of making Waihī Beach a safer haven for native wildlife, ensuring the area’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

Community members are also supporting the kaupapa by donating or sponsoring through the Predator Free Waihī Beach Community Partnership Programme.

From as little as $50, people can sponsor a trap or a trapline to help continue the fight against predators. They can even choose their favourite native bird to support.

Every contribution makes a difference in protecting our environment and ensuring native species thrive.

For more information on how to support Predator Free Waihī Beach or to get involved, email Pip at predatorfreewaihibeach@gmail.com. To contact the Pio Shores association, email Garry at pioshores@gmail.com