Predator Free Tamahere received a council grant via the Rural Ward Fund for a sign to promote and celebrate the critically endangered long-tail native bats, pekapeka-tou-roa, living in gullies and trees along the popular bush walk in Tamahere.
The sign (see below) is at the start of the Allan Turner Memorial Walkway Suspension Bridge at the end of Woodcock Road in Tamahere or Fuchsia Lane in Matangi.
The passionate community-driven group is on a quest to eradicate pests and celebrate local native wildlife in the beautiful Tamahere gully system.
Jane Morgan from Predator Free Tamahere said it’s great to have received funding for these nationally critical, tiny but mighty mammals. They're typically the size of a thumb, furry, and can fly fast, getting up to 60km per hour.
The meet our uniquely batty neighbours sign encourages people to protect the bats' habitat, avoid disturbing roosting areas and learn about them.
“Many people using the gully walkway may not know critically threatened long-tailed bats live and forage in this area. The sign helps encourages people to protect mature trees and builds local support for predator control and conservation,” Jane said.
The bats are threatened by a loss of habitat, predators, and climate change. They are known their unique ability to use echolocation to navigate dark forest environments, feeding primarily on flying insects like moths and mosquitoes. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting this species.
Want to get involved with local conservation?
Want to get involved with this community group? Contact Predator Free Tamahere.
Fun bat facts
- A baby bat is called a pup
- A group of bats is called a colony
- A bats home is called a roost
- We have some wonderful roosting spots in the Waikato district
- Our community is working hard to protect these tiny but mighty mammals
How can I apply for a grant?
Applications for the Rural Ward Fund close this Sunday, 10 May – this has been extended by two days. The grants are awarded to small grassroots rural initiatives and projects such as Predator Free Tamahere that enhance rural wellbeing.
It’s targeted at rural communities specifically outside of the catchment of community boards and community committees to ensure equal access to funding that brings communities together.
The fund is managed by Council’s Community Voice and Choice Committee. The committee will select which applications will receive grants at the next meeting on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified via email.
The following groups can apply for funding
- Not-for-profit organisation
- Registered charitable trust
- Registered charitable entity
- Incorporated society
Former recipients
- Orini Reserve Committee – Contribution towards the cost community event
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Naho Ka Puta Ka Ora – Support for the Festival of Arts
- Tauwhare Community Committee – Funding for the Tauwhare Transmitter newsletter
Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
- The degree to which the event or project will contribute to and benefit the rural area it serves
- The level of local input involved in planning the project
- That the information supplied in the application is complete and accurate
- That the project or event does not duplicate other initiatives already operating in the area
