Across Franklin, community-led conservation is gaining attention in the media. From backyard trapping networks to school-led projects, these stories highlight the growing impact of predator control, restoration work, and the passionate people helping to protect our native wildlife. Here you’ll find recent media coverage from across the region.
Local Volunteers Conservation Efforts Praised
From restoring native habitats to protecting wildlife, local volunteers were honoured at the inaugural Taiao Conservation Awards for their outstanding contribution to conservation across Franklin and South Auckland.
Environment Matters, The Valley Voice, July 2026, pg 11-12
Franklin Conservation Volunteers Celebrated, West Franklin Breeze, July 2026, pg 12
Conservation Work Praised at Inaugural Conservation Awards, Franklin Times, 24 June 2026
Help Guide Franklin’s Future
Our Auckland, 1 July 2026
Predator Free Franklin, facilitated by Te Ara Hīkoi, is a successful example of community-led conservation in Franklin, supporting more than 20 local groups to protect biodiversity and restore native wildlife across the Franklin region with ongoing support from the Franklin Local Board.
Finding Franklin Bats on Wild Heroes
Three Now, Season 4 Episode 4, 17 May 2026
See the Finding Franklin Bats project featured in Wild Heroes, highlighting the collaborative effort to monitor and conserve our precious long-tailed bats in rural Auckland.
Predator Control in Urban Areas – Franklin Times
Franklin Times, 3 June 2026
Community-led urban trapping efforts across Franklin are helping reduce pest numbers and protect native wildlife in everyday neighbourhoods.
Environmental Funding for the Birds, Bats and Fish – Franklin Times
Franklin Times, 14 May 2026
Local funding is supporting conservation projects across Franklin to protect native birds, bats, and freshwater ecosystems through community-led restoration work.
Watch Out Rats! The Otaua Rat Rangers are out to catch!
Kea Kids News, 25 April 2026
Otaua students showcase their hands-on predator trapping efforts, highlighting how young people are helping protect native wildlife in their community.
Meet the Seven-Year-Old Passionate About Pest Trapping – RNZ
RNZ, 30 March 2026
A young Auckland conservation volunteer and our community coordinator highlight how children are getting involved in pest trapping and protecting native wildlife.
Finding Franklin Bats on Dog Squad
TVNZ+, Season 15, Episode 2, 24 June 2025
See Franklin’s fascinating native bats in the spotlight as Dog Squad follows the Finding Franklin Bats team on their mission to track and protect these remarkable taonga species
Media coverage helps tell the story of our collective impact across Franklin.
If you’ve seen a story about Predator Free Franklin or one of our community groups that we’ve missed , or if you would like to feature our work in your publication, podcast, or news channel, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch: contact@predatorfreefranklin.nz