Tapu te Ranga Ratbusters

Tapu te Ranga Ratbusters have been kayaking out to control rodents on the iconic Tapu te Ranga Island since 2006. A mix of a dozen bait stations and some A24 Goodnature traps keep the rat numbers low – but not zero yet! Successful penguin breeding, oystercatcher breeding and lizard sightings are positive biodiversity signs. Ratbusters members also volunteer with Places for Penguins, building and monitoring nest boxes and natural nest sites on the island. Rat reinvasion from the mainland is always a threat so we are delighted that Predator-Free Island Bay has recently formed. Tapu te Ranga Island is at the heart of the Tapu te Ranga Marine Reserve.