Kinloch on track to reduce pests

A programme to help eradicate pests in Kinloch is gaining traction, with 18 rats and three mice caught since it was introduced last month.

The programme is the result of a new partnership between Taupo District Council, Kinloch Residents' Association, Bike Taupo and other community agencies.

Council and Bike Taupo collectively donated 70 traps to the residents' association in August to help catch rats and stoats in the Whangamata Stream Reserve and on Department of Conservation land at the western edge of the township. A group of volunteers from the residents' association is facilitating the programme and with support from the community they have since purchased a further 30 traps.

Acting group manager of operational services John Ridd said it was a great collaborative approach to reducing pests and improving the environment in Kinloch.

"It's amazing to hear how many pests have already been caught - it's a sure sign the programme is working," he said.

"It has been a fantastic commitment from those involved and I know they'll be happy to see positive outcomes so quickly."

Programme organisers are working closely with the Department of Conservation and Ngati Tuwharetoa and hope to fundraise for more traps in the future.