Picton Dawn Chorus

04/10/2026

16/09/2026

Big traps, big results!

We recently received some great feedback from the Port Ligar trapping programme, after they purchased 20 extra-long double DOC 200's from the Picton Dawn Chorus trapping enterprise DCTE (Dawn Chorus Trapping Enterprise).

The traps were put out on 22 August and left unbaited, just to settle in and weather before being baited. When they were checked a few days ago, 11 stoats had been caught, including four double captures - that is 2 stoats in 1 trap!

That’s an incredible result for the first three weeks, especially with no bait involved.

Great work Port Ligar, and DCTE, and a fantastic example of good traps making a real difference for predator control.

14/09/2026

Let's all get on board and support the Forest & Bird Bird of the Year competition!

It can be seriously difficult choosing your five favourite birds, but today one of our picks is the Australasian gannet Tākapu.
They’re working overtime in Picton Harbour right now, putting on an absolute masterclass in diving, fishing and general birdy brilliance. They’re wowing everyone who gets to see them in action!

What are your five favourites? Vote here today - https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/

06/09/2026

Come along to the Girls’ Gala Spring Night Market!

Join us this Friday 11 September, from 5pm–8pm at the Scenic Hotel Marlborough for a fun evening of shopping, socialising and supporting a great cause!

Browse our fantastic range of local hand made jewellery, art, clothing, handmade goodies, treats and more.

Raising funds for Child Cancer NZ
Free entry | $2 raffle tickets
Scenic Hotel Marlborough, 65 Alfred Street

We’re coming all the way from Picton! Our shop team is making the trip over to Blenheim especially for the market, so come along, say hello and support our local shop.

SHOP • SIP • SOCIALISE • SUPPORT

30/07/2026

It was great to welcome to Zoe and Liam from HEB Construction to our Ngahere planting day on Tuesday alongside students from Queen Charlotte College, Picton New Zealand. They weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, working with the students to help get 300 native plants into the ground.

As HEB Construction plays a key role in the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project, it's fantastic to see members of their team getting involved beyond the worksite and contributing directly to the wellbeing of our local environment and community.

We love your willingness to support us HEB Construction - thanks so much!!

30/07/2026

Couldn't have said it better ourselves.. Thanks so much to Queen Charlotte College, Picton New Zealand - what a bunch of stars!

28/06/2026

Welcome to the Picton Dawn Chorus Centre!

It might have taken a little while, but our new sign is finally up and we're thrilled with it!

A huge thank you to Meg from Te Puke Soap Company for creating our fantastic new sign. It looks amazing and gives our centre a fresh new identity of who we are and what we do.

You'll still find us in the same friendly spot at 14 Auckland Street, Picton, just with a new name on the door.

Whether you have questions about trapping, need advice on predator control, are looking for a unique gift, or want to browse our range of locally made crafts, we'd love you to pop in. Our team is always happy to help and have a chat.

Come and check out the new sign, say hello, and see what's happening at the Picton Dawn Chorus Centre. Open Mon-Fri 9-3. We look forward to welcoming you soon! 🐦

18/06/2026

A BIG shout-out to our amazing DCTE team (Dawn Chorus Trapping Enterprise)! 👏

The team has recently completed the construction of 40 Double DOC 200 traps for the Te Hoiere/Pelorus Restoration Project.

These traps have now been delivered to the Havelock Men's Shed, where they'll receive a bright yellow paint job (apparently mustelids have a weakness for yellow according to recent research!) before being deployed throughout the Havelock wetlands to target stoats and weasels.

This was no small undertaking. Each trap contains around 20 different parts, requiring patience, precision, and plenty of teamwork. With 11 volunteers at yesterday's working bee, the team powered through another productive session and should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved.

A huge thank you to everyone involved. Your hard work is helping protect our precious wetland birds and native wildlife. The birds may not be able to say it themselves, but we're sure they're singing their thanks already! 🐦

Well done team!

14/06/2026

What a fantastic Tree Planting Day we had with Picton School last Friday!

Around 20 enthusiastic six and seven-year-olds from Picton School joined us, along with seven parents and teachers, and 12 dedicated Ngahere Group volunteers.

The volunteers were on site from 7.30am getting everything ready before the young planters arrived at 9.30am. By midday, approximately 300 native trees were in the ground and looking right at home.

The weather couldn't have been better, the children were full of energy and enthusiasm, and there was plenty of teamwork, learning and fun along the way. A delicious morning tea kept the adults fuelled and smiling too!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success. There's something pretty special about seeing the next generation getting their hands dirty and helping create a greener future for our community.

300 trees planted before lunchtime? Not bad for a morning's work! 🪏🌿