Possums

By Annie HillThe original article in Russell Lights | Ngā Mārama o Kororāreka, June 2025 edition Possums were successfully introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand in the 1850s to provide fur, food and ‘sport’. Not particularly valuable in any of those roles, they have...

Stoats

By Annie HillThe original article in Russell Lights | Ngā Mārama o Kororāreka One of our most voracious predators, stoats are a member of the mustelid family, which includes everything from weasels and ferrets (also in New Zealand) through mink and polecats to otters...

Bush walk with a purpose

By Annie HillThe original article in Russell Lights | Ngā Mārama o Kororāreka Most of us like to get out into the bush and I am no exception.As soon as I step onto a pathway under the trees, the world slows and quietens down. Instead of the noise of cars and lawn...

Rats

By Annie HillThe original article in Russell Lights | Ngā Mārama o Kororāreka Although they’ve lived alongside us for centuries, accompanying us as we expanded around the world, enjoying the bounty of our food supplies and homes, people generally dislike rats. Most...

Pīwakawaka Fantail

By Annie HillThe original article in Russell Lights | Ngā Mārama o Kororāreka Pīwakawaka / fantail is one of the most recognised and loved of our native birds. In Māori mythology, pīwakawaka is a messenger, bringing news of death from the gods to the people. Some...