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!

See the presentation Jamie made at the BBQ to see more of what we've accomplished this year!