Champions for Pekapeka: Reflections from the National Pekapeka Hui 2026

I (Sarah - RRE Facilitator) had the privilege of attending day one of the National Pekapeka Hui 2026 in Waiuku — and I left feeling deeply inspired.

There’s something pretty special about being in a room full of people who genuinely care. This hui brought together champions for the environment and our bat populations — researchers, iwi, community groups, landowners, and everyday people who have become passionate “cheerleaders” for pekapeka.

Hosted by Finding Franklin Bats, the day was grounded in connection, shared learning, and a collective drive to do better for one of Aotearoa’s most elusive and vulnerable taonga.

The power of people and place

What struck me most was the sense of unity. No matter where people had come from or what role they played, everyone was there for the same reason — to protect and restore our native bats. Hearing from projects like the Te Hoiere Bat Recovery Project was a powerful reminder that this work takes time, patience, and long-term commitment. Their dedication to restoring entire landscapes so bats can thrive was both humbling and motivating.

Closer to home, the Rodney Pekapeka Project really resonated. Led by Forest Bridge Trust, the project is focusing on three halo areas stretching across Rodney from west to east, creating safer, connected spaces for pekapeka to move, feed, and thrive.

With targeted monitoring in and around Mount Tamahunga, this work is building a clearer picture of where bats are present and how they are using the landscape — helping to guide future protection efforts where they matter most.

And it was fantastic to see the ongoing leadership of Ben Paris, whose work continues to support and strengthen bat conservation efforts across the Auckland region.

Inspiring the next generation

One of the most moving parts of the hui was seeing young people stepping up as true warriors for wildlife. Fearless and unafraid, they were leading trapping workshops, demonstrating techniques, and even presenting to adults with incredible knowledge and confidence. Watching them engage so passionately, asking questions, teaching others, and taking responsibility for real-world conservation was nothing short of inspiring. These young conservation champions are not just learning — they are actively shaping the future of bat protection in Aotearoa.

A clear message we can’t ignore

If there was one message that came through loud and clear, it was this:rats are the biggest threat to our pekapeka.

It’s confronting, but important. Rats don’t just impact birds — they directly threaten bats in their roosts and compete for the same food sources.

Following closely behind are mustelids and possums, adding further pressure to already fragile populations.

It really reinforced something we already know, but perhaps don’t always say strongly enough:predator control is essential.

Why this matters to us

Sitting in that space, I couldn’t help but think about our own communities back in Rodney East. The traplines being checked, the hours volunteered, the quiet, consistent mahi happening across our landscapes — it all matters. It’s all connected to this bigger picture. Protecting pekapeka isn’t something that happens somewhere else. It happens here, through the collective efforts of people who care enough to act.

Leaving with hope

I left the hui feeling proud, energised, and hopeful. Proud of the work already happening across our rohe.Energised by the people leading the way.And hopeful because, together, we are making a difference. Pekapeka might be small and rarely seen, but they have a growing network of people standing up for them — and that gives me a lot of confidence for the future.

Take action in your backyard

Want to help pekapeka thrive where you live?

• Check your traps and bait lines regularly — every pest caught helps.

• Get involved with local projects like the Rodney Pekapeka Project or trapping, planting and more Volunteer | Restore Rodney East

• Spread the word — tell friends, whānau, and neighbours about the importance of predator control.

• Support and inspire young conservationists — encourage tamariki and rangatahi to get involved in workshops, trapping, and monitoring.

• Keep watching and learning — attend events, workshops, or community planting days that support habitat restoration.

Every action, big or small, creates safer spaces for our native bats. Together, we can ensure that pekapeka continue to soar through our night skies for generations to come.