Celebrating another year of progress

Celebrating a Conservation Project to Protect and Restore Biodiversity for Future Generations

Otago Daily Times, 17 September, 2026. Article by Shawn McAvinue

The community BBQ, co-hosted by the East Otago Catchment Group and The Hikaroroa Mt. Watkin Conservation Group, drew more than 30 community members on a recent Tuesday to learn about conservation efforts within the local area. Jamie presented on the past year of activity and progress on behalf of the HMWCG. They got a nice write-up in the Otago Daily Times this week -- all subscribers are encourage to go read the article!  The article highlights the role of local farmers working together with the Mammalian Corrections Unit (MCU) and a host of community volunteers to conduct pest control and biodiversity monitoring within the Hikaroroa/Mt. Watkin project area. Of particular interest are the discovery of kārearea (NZ Falcon) nesting sites, and two native lizard species - the tussock skink and kōrero gecko -- which were previously unkown in the area.

Hats off to the farmers, MCU and all the volunteers who have helped the group make so much progress this past year!