Minginui residents turned out in force to build pest traps, play games, have their dogs kiwi avoidance trained, and win prizes on Saturday.

The free event hosted by the Department of Conservation, in collaboration with Ngāti Whare, celebrated all things taiao.

DOC Tiriti ranger Kohu Kohiti (Ngāti Whare) lives in Minginui where the small community is nestled next to the Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne biodiversity hotspot and Te Urewera.

“The huge turn-out shows te hapori o Minginui (Minginui community) takes the taiao and our responsibilities seriously,” Mr Kohiti said.

DOC community ranger Freddy Carr said it was a joy to be able to invest in the community with the help of the Predator Free Backyard Communities Fund.

“Springtime is prime time to start ramping up trapping to protect the birds, and it’s clear the community agreed!”

“Tamariki enjoyed the hands-on activities; it was a real whānau vibe. The whole day was incredibly positive.”

With 35 tunnel traps built for backyards, and 20 dogs learning to avoid the scent and sight of kiwi, the rich natural backyard of this community is in good hands.