Auckland Regional Hui 2025 – A Milestone Moment for Predator Free Tāmaki Makaurau

“They say you’re only as good as your last event — I hope this isn’t mine!”

That thought crossed my mind as I looked around the room on Sunday 2 November — a room buzzing with passionate people, new connections, and big ideas.

After a year in planning, the Predator Free Tāmaki Makaurau Regional Hui finally came to life at Auckland University of Technology. Hosted in collaboration with Predator Free New Zealand Trust and supported by Auckland Council, this was our largest gathering yet of environmental champions, community groups, innovators, and thought-leaders working towards Predator Free Aotearoa.

An Event Built on Collaboration

From the moment the doors opened, the excitement was tangible. It was a true privilege to work alongside Predator Free NZ — particularly Janine Hearn and Jessi Morgan — whose strategic leadership and enthusiasm helped shape this event into something meaningful for the region.

Their support ensured that this was more than a conference — it was a place where people could align, learn, connect, and feel part of a wider movement.

A Full Day of Inspiration and Insight

The hui offered a diverse programme featuring outstanding speakers who covered some of the most pressing and innovative areas in pest eradication and ecological restoration, including:

The 2050 challenge and better cat management – Jessi Morgan, Predator Free NZ

A strategic update for Auckland – Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council

Emerging innovations and technologies – Helen Blackie, Critter Solutions

Fine-tuning predator control – Cam Speedy, Wildlife Management Associates

Collaboration for restoration – Makere Jenner, Tū Mai Taonga Aotea

Engaging and inspiring a whole city – James Willcocks, Predator Free Wellington

Each presentation sparked new thinking and conversation, reminding us that while our challenges are complex, our collective knowledge and capability are growing rapidly.

Hands-on Learning and Industry Insights

An exhibition space featuring leading predator control companies — including NZ Autotraps and others — gave attendees the chance to examine tools, ask questions, and discuss practical solutions for their own projects.

The networking and shared learning between volunteers, community groups, iwi representatives, councils, and conservation professionals was a highlight.

A Proud Moment for Our Region

For Restore Rodney East, it was an honour to co-host this hui and welcome so many dedicated people from across Tāmaki Makaurau. Seeing the room full of motivated individuals — many of whom travelled significant distances and gave up their Sunday — reinforced the passion and commitment that this region holds for our native species and ecosystems.

Looking Forward

Events like this remind us that none of us do this mahi alone. We are part of something bigger — a national movement working towards an ambitious and important goal.

To everyone who attended, contributed, presented, catered, supported, and helped make this event a success — thank you.

We look forward to building on this momentum, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the predator free movement together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Sarah — Restore Rodney East