2022 Pest Control Operation - Phase 1
2022-09-10 09:00 - 13:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to fill bait stations with 300g of Ratabate
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 10th September, let us know. Please note we may move the workday to Sunday if the weather is not suitable.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
gloves
pack liners
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea

Workday – what to bring

sturdy footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially if you have pets)
weatherproof clothing
water bottle snack food
refillable cup
day pack
enthusiasm

2022 Pest Control Operation – Phase 2
2022-09-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Upcoming workdays – Saturday 24th of September
Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to top up bait stations with 300g of Pindone.
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 24th September, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. Please note we may move the workday to Sunday if the weather is not suitable.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
boot washing facilities (to help prevent Avian Influenza)
gloves
masks
pack liners
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea

Workday – what to bring

sturdy clean footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially if you have pets)
weatherproof clothing
water bottle snack food
refillable cup
day pack
enthusiasm

2022 Pest Control Operation – Phase 3
2022-10-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Upcoming workdays – Saturday 15th of October
Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to remove Pindone and Ratabate from bait stations
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 15th October, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. Please note we may move the workday to Sunday if the weather is not suitable.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
boot washing facilities (to help prevent Avian Influenza)
gloves
masks
pack liners
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea

Workday – what to bring

sturdy clean footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially if you have pets)
weatherproof clothing
water bottle snack food
refillable cup
day pack
enthusiasm

Workday 11 May
2024-05-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Upcoming workday
Meet at the junction of Rotoehu and Pukehangi Roads at 9am. We will spend approximately 3 hours clearing tracks.
Click here for Google Map coordinates

If you are able to attend this workday please let us know.
Workday – what to bring

sturdy footwear
weather suitable clothing
day pack
water bottle snack food
Garmin GPS unit or watch if you have one
enthusiasm!

RET will be providing

Updates to GPS data
Kōkako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea
hand tools including loppers, hammers and handsaws
snacks
handwashing facilities

Workday 8 June
2024-06-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand

Workday 13 July
2024-07-13 09:00 - 14:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand

Workday 10 August
2024-08-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand

Workday 14 September
2024-09-14 09:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Upcoming workday
Our next workday is Saturday 14th of September. Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to fill bait stations with 500g of Ratabate. This bait is placed into the bait station in a biodegradable plastic bag which is secured by the baseplate of the bait station, therefore volunteers shoudn’t need to touch any baits.
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 14th September, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
pack liners and other bits and pieces required for the pest control operation
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea
a briefing to ensure all DOC permit requirements along with other requirements are met on the day

Workday – what to bring

re-usable cup for hot drinks
sturdy clean footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially recommended if you have pets)
weather suitable clothing
water bottle
backpack
enthusiasm

Postponed Workday 12 October
2024-10-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Our next workday is Saturday 12th of October. Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to remove any leftover bait and biodegradable bags from bait stations.
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 12th October, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
pack liners and other bits and pieces required for the pest control operation
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea
a briefing to ensure all DOC permit requirements along with other requirements are met on the day

What to bring

re-usable cup for hot drinks
sturdy clean footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially recommended if you have pets)
weather suitable clothing
water bottle
backpack
enthusiasm

Workday 9th November
2024-11-09 09:00 - 14:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Our next workday is Saturday 9th of November. Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9am. We will then proceed into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to remove any leftover bait and biodegradable bags from bait stations.
If you are able to attend the workday on Saturday 9th October, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
RET will be providing

handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
pack liners and other bits and pieces required for the pest control operation
snacks and nibbles for humans and rats
Kokako Organic coffee and hot chocolate/tea
a briefing to ensure all DOC permit requirements along with other requirements are met on the day

What to bring

re-usable cup for hot drinks
sturdy clean footwear
long sleeves and pants (pest control requires full coverage)
change of clothes if you want to change prior to going home (especially recommended if you have pets)
weather suitable clothing
water bottle
backpack
enthusiasm

Workday - 14 June 2025
2025-06-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Rotoehu Ecological Trust Workday
🌿 When: Saturday, 14th June⏰ Time: Meet at 9:00 AM📍 Where: Corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads
Join us for a rewarding day in the bush! We’ll kick off at the meeting point before heading into the forest, where tasks will be assigned to help continue our vital conservation work.
What RET Will Provide:

Handwashing facilities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: gloves, hi-viz vests)
Tools (feel free to bring your own if you prefer)
Snacks and nibbles
Kokako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea

What to Bring:

Reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water bottle
Backpack
Your enthusiasm!

If you can attend, please let us know in advance so we can plan for the day effectively.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there—thank you for helping us protect and restore our precious environment!

Workday - 12 July 2025
2025-07-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Rotoehu Ecological Trust Workday
🌿 When: Saturday, 12th July⏰ Time: Meet at 9:00 AM📍 Where: Corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads
Join us for a rewarding day in the bush! We’ll kick off at the meeting point before heading into the forest, where tasks will be assigned to help continue our vital conservation work.
What RET Will Provide:

Handwashing facilities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: gloves, hi-viz vests)
Tools (feel free to bring your own if you prefer)
Snacks and nibbles
Kokako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea

What to Bring:

Reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water bottle
Backpack
Your enthusiasm!

If you can attend, please let us know in advance so we can plan for the day effectively.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there—thank you for helping us protect and restore our precious environment!

Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-07-18 07:15 - 08:30
Join us for our Annual General Meeting on Friday 18th July at 7:15am at the Okere Falls Store.
You’re welcome to attend in person. We can look into hosting a Microsoft Teams meeting if there is interest in this option and you’re unable to make it in person. We’ll be discussing highlights from the past year, upcoming projects, and welcoming any new or returning trustees.
Please let us know if you’d like to receive the Teams link.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Workday - 9 August 2025
2025-08-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Join us for our next workday on Saturday 9th August!
Meet at the corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads at 9:00 am. Road crews have been sealing the new access road this week, so hopefully there’ll be no more detours.
We’ll head into the forest where tasks will be assigned before setting off to fill bait stations with 500g of RatAbate. The bait is placed inside biodegradable bags and secured under the bait station baseplate – so volunteers won’t need to handle any bait directly.
🔔 Important note: RatAbate contains peanut products. If you have a peanut allergy, we recommend sitting this one out for your safety.
📅 If you’re also available for this workday on Saturday 9th August, please let us know so we can plan ahead!

✅ What RET Will Provide:

Handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
Pack liners and other gear for the pest control operation
Snacks and nibbles (for humans – and rats)
Kōkako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea
A full safety and permit briefing to ensure DOC and RET requirements are met

🎒 What to Bring:

A reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Long sleeves and pants (required for pest control work)
A change of clothes/footwear (especially if you have pets at home)
Weather-appropriate clothing
A water bottle
A backpack
A friend or two to help us out with this important task
And most importantly – your enthusiasm!

Workday - 13 September 2025
2025-09-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Rotoehu Ecological Trust Workday
🌿 When: Saturday, 13th September⏰ Time: Meet at 9:00 AM📍 Where: Corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads
Join us for a rewarding day in the bush! We’ll kick off at the meeting point before heading into the forest, where tasks will be assigned to help continue our vital conservation work.
What RET Will Provide:

Handwashing facilities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: gloves, hi-viz vests)
Tools (feel free to bring your own if you prefer)
Snacks and nibbles
Kokako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea

What to Bring:

Reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water bottle
Backpack
Your enthusiasm!

If you can attend, please let us know in advance so we can plan for the day effectively.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there—thank you for helping us protect and restore our precious environment!

🌿 Upcoming Workday – Saturday 11th October
2025-10-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Join us for our next volunteer workday in Rotoehu Forest!
📍 Meeting Point: Corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads 🕘 Time: 9:00 am start

🔨 What We’ll Be Doing
We’ll head into the forest together, where tasks will be assigned before setting off to empty any remaining RatAbate bait from bait stations.As some biodegradable bait bags may have been ripped open by rats, volunteers may need to handle toxin directly while removing it.

⚠️ Important Safety Note
RatAbate contains peanut products.If you have a peanut allergy, we recommend sitting this one out for your safety.

✅ What RET Will Provide

Handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
Pack liners and other gear for the pest control operation
Snacks and nibbles (for humans – not rats!)
Kōkako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea
A full safety and permit briefing to ensure DOC and RET requirements are met

🎒 What to Bring

A reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Long sleeves and pants (required for pest control work)
A change of clothes/footwear (especially if you have pets at home)
Weather-appropriate clothing
A water bottle
A backpack
A friend or two to help out
And most importantly – your enthusiasm!

📅 Let Us Know You’re Coming
If you’re available to join us on Saturday 11th October, please let us know so we can plan ahead.
Together, we’ll keep Rotoehu’s kōkako and other native species thriving. 💙

Workday 8 November 2025
2025-11-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Rotoehu Forest, 22 Pukehangi Road, Pongakawa, 3186, New Zealand
Join us for our next volunteer workday in Rotoehu Forest!
📍 Meeting Point: Corner of Pukehangi and Rotoehu Roads
🕘 Time: 9:00 am start
🔨 What We’ll Be Doing
✅ Check remaining bait stations and remove any leftover bait
📝 Collect and remove rat tracking cards for monitoring results
Why tracking cards matter: They show rat activity after baiting so we know whether our poison-op was effective and where to focus next.
Why now: We are following best practice for kōkako management by monitoring rats at the start of November (just in time for the start of breeding season).
Why removing leftover bait matters: Small amounts left behind can cause sub-lethal doses, leading to a population of rats that are avoidant of bait stations and making them harder to control in the future- so this tidy-up is important.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
RatAbate as well as the lure for the rat tracking tunnels contains peanut products. If you have a peanut allergy, we recommend sitting this one out for your safety.
✅ What RET Will Provide

Handwashing facilities
PPE (gloves, hi-viz)
Pack liners and other gear for the pest control operation
Snacks and nibbles
Kōkako Organic coffee, hot chocolate, and tea
A full safety and permit briefing to ensure DOC and RET requirements are met

🎒 What to Bring

Your charged phone with Field Maps and QuickCapture loaded (see instructions below)
A reusable cup for hot drinks
Sturdy, clean footwear
Long sleeves and pants (required for pest control work)
A change of clothes/footwear (especially if you have pets at home)
Weather-appropriate clothing
A water bottle
A backpack
A friend or two to help out
And most importantly – your enthusiasm!

📅 Let Us Know You’re Coming
If you’re available to join us on Saturday 8thth November, please let us know so we can plan ahead with catering, taskings and any updates we need to send about the workday.
Together, we’ll keep Rotoehu’s kōkako and other native species thriving.
