THE LIVE AND LET LIVE PROJECT

The Live and Let Live Project aims to protect vulnerable native wildlife on the Waimea Inlet by trapping feral cats while also protecting domestic cats and encouraging responsible cat management .
The  Waimea Inlet is home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and threatened native plants and animals, including birds like the variable oystercatcher, wrybill, banded rail, marsh crake, Australasian bittern and bar-tailed godwit. Unfortunately, the inlet is also home to populations of wild and feral cats which are known to prey on native wildlife.​
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​More on the purpose and strategies of the project here
1. PILOT PROJECT 2016
In mid-2016 a pilot programme was undertaken in the Pearl Creek and Cotterell Road area with the specific aims of: 
  • Reducing predation of banded rail and other vulnerable native species
  • Improving community understanding of the impact cats have on wildlife
  • Improving community understanding of the significant values of the Waimea Inlet
  • Micro-chipping 100% of domestic cats in project area.  
  • Removing stray and wild cats from project area
  • Persuading residents to keep domestic cats inside at night 
A full report on the pilot project, its methodology and outcomes is available here​
2. EXTENSION OF PROJECT 2017
The pilot project demonstrated the success of the Live and Let Live approach. As a consequence,   the project has been repeated - and extended - in mid-2017.  
Live capture traps were set in the Pearl Creek and Cotterrell Rd areas again, as well as Neimann Creek and Best Island. Residents were informed prior to trap-setting and were again offered free microchipping of domestic cats.
 WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
  • ​​​Dr. K. Heidy Kikillus of Victoria University
  • Myfanwy Emeny of Wellington City Council
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​QUICK LINKS

2016 Pilot Project Report

The Waimea Estuary

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