Last year, ISV groups significantly contributed to many important conservation efforts across New Zealand. We worked with five different Host Organisations and made a difference in eight different locations around the country, on both  the North and South Islands. Each project was unique in its own way but the common goal remained the same: to restore habitat and build environmental and community awareness.

Together with our Host Organisations, we removed invasive exotic plants and helped to limit the damage from introducedanimal pests that threaten our native wildlife, by assisting with the creation of predator-free island sanctuaries. We assisted with the creation of walking tracks so that everyone can experience and enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful natural landscape. Our participants also got together with local school children to teach them about the environment and plant trees. All agencies involved this past year have been very satisfied with, and grateful for the goals we have helped to achieve.

A big thank you to all of ISV’s past participants who have contributed to ISV conservation efforts in New Zealand.

Some of the main conservation achievements last year::

• Native trees and seedlings planted: 34,000+
• Nature trails maintained and cut/fences removed and mended: 17,500 meters
• Tree planting with school children and mentally disabled adults: 600+ hours
• Rubbish collected from beaches: 300+ kg
• Historic sites maintained: 255+ hours
• Invasive species clearing: 47,000+ m2 cleared

Species Monitored:

• Pateke (Brown Teal): Critically endangered bird, with less than 1000 left in New Zealand
• Titi (Huttons Shearwater): Endangered New Zealand sea bird
• Cockle surveys
• Habitat created for Kiwi, Little Blue Penguins and the Kokeno (NZ Fur Seal)

Introduced Species Animal Control:

• 260 live trap bait stations maintained
• 400 hectares of baitlines baited
• 5,200 meters of live trap traplines maintained

Other:

• 240 hours spent repairing animal enclosures and other tasks at wildlife centres
• Helped clean an ancient limestone cave (heritage site)