Tamariki Take the Lead in 2025 Biosecurity Hunt

Over 350 locals stepped up for biosecurity this Easter as the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Hunt returned for another year of fun, learning, and community action. The Hunt brought families, schools, and community members together across five locations – Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Katikati, and Waihi Beach – with the shared goal of protecting our…

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We’re not a fan of fanworm

Mediterranean fanworm was first detected in New Zealand in 2008 and is now present in several harbours, including many parts of the of the upper North Island. They form dense beds of up to 1,000 individuals per square metre and are highly effective filter feeders, so they are good at out-competing our native species for…

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Tiakina Taiao Biosecurity Programme 2025

TMBC has been planning for another year of Tiakina Taiao in 2025, with our first session set to be held in late March. We have schools from all across the Bay of Plenty coming along to Pilot Bay to participate. The programme helps Tamariki learn about their natural environment and seeks to inspire future biosecurity…

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Bay of Plenty Garden & Arts Festival

TMBC was represented at the Bay of Plenty Garden & Arts festival from the 14-17th of November, with our partners and friends sharing insights on critical biosecurity topics. A presentation led by Nicky Oliver-Smith and Steph Bathgate was held to discuss the evolution of DIY backyard ponds. Titled “From the Pond to the Lake”, Nicky…

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Haerenga Taiao Field Trip: Exploring Te Ao Tūroa at Otāwhiwhi Marae

Participants of the Haerenga Taiao Field Trip gathered to immerse themselves in Mātauranga Māori and explore pressing environmental issues at the Otāwhiwhi Marae in Bowentown. Nestled at the northern entrance of Tauranga Harbour, Otāwhiwhi Marae is a cornerstone of cultural and historical significance for Te Whānau o Tauwhao and the Ngāi te Rangi iwi. The…

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Japanese mantis shrimp discovery

It was an eventful day for the Manaaki Te Awanui Research Trust at Tauranga Harbour, which made the first discovery of the Japanese mantis shrimp in the Bay of Plenty Region. As part of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Asian Paddle Crab trapping programme, a single Japanese mantis shrimp (JMS) was captured in…

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