Halo Project - Beyond Orokonui

05/10/2026

It just became easier to navigate the tracks and trails of Ōtepoti/Dunedin thanks to the Dunedin City Council! We think that's awesome, ka pai team :)

28/09/2026

🧐 Did you know there is a test that can tell you which species have interacted with a waterway recently?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing looks for tiny traces of DNA that animals, plants and other organisms leave behind in the environment.

Conservationists use this data to understand which species are present in and around our waterways, and here in Ōtepoti/Dunedin we're now getting results from some areas where no possum DNA has been detected! 🐦🦎

Some of the buzzy records we've discovered include cave wētā, lamprey and dishcloth gourd!

We reckon this resource is pretty choice. You can test your own waterway or explore results from other tests at 😎

25/09/2026

🌱 We’re hiring! 🌱

The Halo Project is looking for a Source to Sea Ranger to join our field team in North Ōtepoti/Dunedin.

This is a hands-on conservation role working alongside our Operations Field Lead and Community Field Lead across the Source to Sea programme.

You’ll be out in the field undertaking native planting and restoration, plant pest control, herbicide work and other practical conservation activities, as well as working alongside volunteers, mana whenua and local communities.

We’re looking for someone practical, reliable and comfortable working outdoors. You might already have solid conservation experience, or be earlier in your conservation career and keen to keep developing your skills.

🌿 24 hours per week
🌿 Fixed term to 12 June 2027
🌿 $63,000–$68,000 FTE, pro rata, depending on skills and experience
🌿 North Ōtepoti/Dunedin

Relevant experience and practical qualifications such as GrowSafe, chainsaw, LUV and first aid are an advantage, but you don't need to tick every box.

Applications close Friday 16 October 2026.

For the full position description and details on how to apply head to our website!

Know someone who'd be great? Please share this with them. 🌱

About Landscape Connections Trust and the Halo Project Landscape Connections Trust (LCT) is a charitable trust working with communities across North Ōtepoti, from Dunedin to Waikouaiti, to create healthy landscapes that support resilient communities. Our mission is to inspire and work with our com

23/09/2026

🐦 "As wildlife flourishes in a fenced Otago ecosanctuary, mahi is ramping up to protect the birds flying the coop.

In July, Predator Free Dunedin received $3.9 million over three years from the Department of Conservation to boost its predator elimination work.

That funding means they'll soon be targeting mustelids, rats, rabbits and feral cats lurking around the Orokonui Ecosanctuary." Tess Brunton reports.

Listen to an interview with Ōtepoti conservation crew from Halo Project - Beyond Orokonui, and as they dive into the multi-species predator control plans!

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2019053095/predator-free-dunedin-targeting-pests-in-sanctuary

💚🌳🦎

18/09/2026

🤩🤙💚

11/09/2026

Busted. 😅 Even Halo Project - Beyond Orokonui 's Jonah wasn't expecting to run into this on the Peninsula!

This is exactly the kind of vigilance that's kept the Peninsula possum-free, and exactly why Conor is doing something a bit ridiculous to keep people paying attention.

One more sleep until he takes on 42.2km in a possum suit. Cheer him on 13 September, and keep spotting for your shot at a prize.

📷️ Get a photo of the possum running the Dunedin Marathon along the route.

➡️ Post it to Facebook or Instagram and tag us in - make sure you're following our page too! All entries will go in the draw to win.
💚 We'll draw winners at random on Tuesday 15th September, prizes include a voucher from Hunting & Fishing, and family ecosanctuary passes thanks to Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Te Korowai o Mihiwaka

For a map of the Dunedin Marathon route and more information such as start times, check out https://dunedinmarathon.co.nz/race.../full-marathon-course/

10/09/2026

Sealion: relaxed. Possum: in full training mode. One of these two is running the Dunedin Marathon on 13 September - spot the "possum" on the course, snap a photo, and tag Predator Free Dunedin for your chance to win one of three prizes! 👀🏃

👉 Follow us for more details!

10/09/2026

A real sense of energy and excitement in the air at Pearl Diver last night for our Predator Free Happy Hour event.

As we set our sights on the next stage of project it's good to remember how far we've come. We have great momentum - both here in Ōtepoti/Dunedin and nationally - and we'll need to keep that up as we begin the mahi to achieve the next ambitious stage of our project.

It takes a community to achieve something this big - and the community certainly showed up last night!

A huge thanks to Jessi, David and Allison from Predator Free New Zealand Trust for coming down to collaborate on this event, and speak to the national picture.

Shout out to Southern Lights & Services Ltd for AV sponsorship!

04/09/2026

Conor's possum suit made the news! 📰

It’s a good chuckle, but it’s also 42.2km of real effort - he's running the full Dunedin Marathon dressed as a possum to keep Otago Peninsula's possum-free status on everyone's radar.

Make sure you’re there to cheer him on, 13 September. Get a pic of the “possum” on the day, tag us in your photo for a shot at a prize.

📸Post your photo to Facebook or Instagram and tag in Predator Free Dunedin - make sure you're following us too!

🙌 Prizes include a $100 Hunting and Fishing voucher, and family day passes to Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Te Korowai o Mihiwaka

🪄We'll be drawing a winner at random on Tuesday 15th September.

Possum to be spotted on the peninsula

03/09/2026