People Helping Nature Podcast

• NZ’s Feral Cat Dilemma: An Honest Conversation (with John Bissell)

  It’s been estimated that more than 2.5 million feral cats call Aotearoa NZ home.2.5 million!That's big numbers, making them a growing problem and an increasing threat…These aren’t your typical domestic house cat. They are wild animals, and they’re having a devastating impact on our native wildlife."Comparing a feral cat to a domestic cat is like comparing a wolf to a Labrador"Feral cats predate on all kinds of taonga species - from lizards to bats to kiwi - and their numbers are increasing every year. In one documented case, a single feral cat killed 107 endangered short-tailed bats in just two weeks.And their impact extends far beyond predation events, affecting everyday lives through attacks on pet cats, toxoplasmosis in livestock, and even further endangering Māui dolphins through disease transmission.So, what’s stopping us from solving this problem? There are many reasons, but our emotional connection to pet cats is a big one.In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, John Bissell, owner of Backblocks Environmental Management and National Predator Control Advisor for Save the Kiwi, shares a balanced perspective on the feral cat debate in Aotearoa New Zealand.While John strongly supports people's right to own pet cats, he draws a clear distinction between domestic companions and their wild counterparts.Here are some of the things we discussed in this illuminating chat:The definition of feral cats vs. domestic pet cats.How trail camera footage reveals that feral cats are everywhere in our landscape.How feral cats decimate endangered species populations.Feline toxoplasmosis impacts on farming and marine mammals.Respectful approaches to feral cat control in areas with pet cats present.How human emotion shapes our approach to different predator species.Tips for conservation groups navigating the feral cat topic with respect.And much more...👩About John:John Bissell is the owner of Backblocks Environmental Management, and he is also the National Predator Control Advisor for Save the Kiwi.John’s main area of mahi is in predator control and threatened species protection. His speciality is in finding and removing the one hard-to-get predator in a large landscape. These lessons have also helped him shape new methods and tricks to help him catch more.As well as boots-on-the-ground delivery, John’s role is increasingly centred around supporting and training people and projects in this line of work, and he is equally passionate about this side of his mahi. John refers to himself as a NZ predator hunter, and he will happily tell story after story of the many other good people out there doing the same.🔗Learn more:John’s website: www.bbem.co.nzJohn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/nzpredatorhunterSave the Kiwi’s website: www.savethekiwi.nz🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

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• First Responders of the Coast: Mobilising Communities to Save Stranded Whales (with Daren Grover)

  What happens when a whale or dolphin strands on a New Zealand beach? For over 50 years, Project Jonah has been the lifeline for these marine mammals in distress, pioneering rescue techniques that have contributed to global standards.Daren Grover, Project Jonah’s General Manager, reveals how this organisation evolved from successfully campaigning against the whaling industry in the 1970s to becoming leaders in marine mammal rescue. Through their nationwide network of 1000s of trained volunteers, Project Jonah is able to mobilise rapid responses to approximately 300 strandings every year.From the unique "whale trap" geography of Farewell Spit to the impacts of climate change on stranding patterns, Daren shares insights into why these events occur and how proper assessment and methodical response significantly improves welfare outcomes for stranded marine mammals.Beyond rescue operations, Project Jonah's work addresses broader conservation challenges. Daren outlines how everyday decisions - from responsible boating to reducing plastic waste - directly affects marine mammal welfare. He emphasises that conservation means "understanding our impacts and choosing to respond positively."Here are some of the key topics we discussed:- Project Jonah's remarkable 50-year evolution from campaigning against commercial whaling to pioneering marine mammal rescue approaches.- The diverse range of natural and human-induced causes behind cetacean strandings.- Why New Zealand's Farewell Spit has earned its reputation as a geographical "whale trap".- The critical actions that first responders take when they arrive at strandings.- Project Jonah’s marine mammal medic training programme.- How Project Jonah mobilises its network of trained volunteers throughout the country when strandings are reported.- How stranding patterns are becoming less predictable with climate change.- The intriguing possibility of AI decoding whale communication in the coming years.- Simple actions anyone can take to support marine mammal conservation.👩 About Daren:Daren Grover is the General Manager of Project Jonah, the marine mammal welfare charity saving whales and dolphins in New Zealand. Daren is an expert in marine mammal stranding response, with hands-on experience in mass stranding events and extensive emergency management training.He collaborates closely with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, providing field support and staff training to uphold best practices. A dedicated educator, Daren trains several hundred volunteers annually, strengthening NZ's national stranding response network. His leadership spans operational logistics, welfare strategies, and multi-agency coordination for mass stranding events.🔗Learn more:- Project Jonah’s website: www.projectjonah.org.nz- Facebook: www.facebook.com/projectjonah- Instagram: www.instagram.com/projectjonahnz🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

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• When Predators Thrive, Ecosystems Survive: Saving NZ's Birds of Prey (with Ineke Milner)

  What New Zealand predator flies at up to 200km/hour yet is now rarer than our iconic kiwi? With fewer than 8,000 kārearea (NZ’s endemic falcon) remaining, these aerial hunters serve as crucial indicators of our ecosystem's health.For 32+ years, the Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua has been at the forefront of protecting these remarkable predators and reversing their decline.In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, General Manager Ineke Milner, reveals how Wingspan blends 4,000-year-old falconry practices with cutting-edge conservation techniques.Through Wingspan’s four main focuses (rehabilitation, research, education, and advocacy), they're creating meaningful connections between people and these often-misunderstood birds.Despite their fearless hunting prowess, kārearea face serious threats. Introduced predators like feral cats target their nests at night, while habitat loss and even deliberate persecution further challenge their survival.The kārearea's unique adaptability as both a forest and open-country hunter has been their saving grace as forests have diminished. As Ineke explains, this rare dual-hunting ability has helped them adapt where other species couldn't - though their numbers still remain low.Here are some of the key topics we discussed:The five bird of prey species in New Zealand and their conservation statusWhy raptors function as crucial indicators of overall ecosystem healthThe 4,000-year history of falconry and its surprising connection to conservationHow Wingspan uses falconry techniques to rehabilitate injured birdsThe major threats facing NZ falcons, including introduced species and human persecutionSimple actions anyone can take to support raptor conservationWhy conservation ultimately connects to human wellbeing👩 About Ineke:A passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation with a journey spanning from the lush landscapes of Rotorua to the far reaches of the globe, Ineke has a deep-rooted love for nature.She contributed to Wingspan in earlier years, serving as raptor PR and aviculturist, where she honed her expertise in caring for ngā manu. Her time at International Wildlife Consultants (Wales) further solidified her commitment to conservation efforts on an international scale. Notably, she proudly represented NZ at the 2014 International Falconry Festival (UAE), showcasing her expertise and passion for avian conservation.In addition to her conservation work, Ineke has made significant contributions to education as a science/biology teacher and as assistant head of the science department. Her devotion to outdoor education has allowed her to instil a love for nature in students, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.Ineke's career is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the natural world. She is excited to lead Wingspan into the next chapter of its journey.🔗Learn more:Wingspan’s website: www.wingspan.co.nzFacebook: www.facebook.com/WingspanNewZealandInstagram: www.instagram.com/wingspan.nz🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

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• Tīwaiwaka: A Movement to Heal Our Relationship with Nature (with Rob McGowan/Pā Ropata)

  What if we viewed Earth not as a resource to be managed, but as our home to be cherished?In this profound conversation, Rob McGowan (Pā Ropata), leader of the Tīwaiwaka movement and respected rongoā practitioner, reveals a transformative set of enduring principles for healing our relationship with Papatūānuku (mother earth).Rob challenges conventional thinking about environmental action, revealing how small, mindful changes in our daily lives can collectively reshape the way we interact with nature. By shifting from a "me" to a "we" worldview, we can create a future where both people and planet thrive together.This episode illuminates a pathway forward that's grounded in hope, respect for life at all scales, and the understanding that true wellbeing emerges from healing our connections - with each other and with the natural world.“Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata” - when the land is well, the people are well.Tīwaiwaka is based on these 6 core principles, which we discussed in depth during the podcast:Te Whenua, Papatūānuku, is the source of all life. She is the mother: Caring for the whenua is the first priority. Everything else must be measured against thisWe are not the centre of the Universe but we are part of it: All living creatures are our brothers and sisters, and we are the potiki, the last born. We must care for themThe mauri is the web of connections that sustains life: If any of those connections are weakened or broken, the mauri is less able to sustain life. The integrity of the mauri has greater priority than any individual or speciesTe tangata, people, are not the masters of the mauri; we are part of the mauri and embraced by it: Our role is to care for the mauriNo individual person is more important than any other: Each must contribute what they have to offer and receive what they need to be wellWe give special care to the tiniest living creatures: Even though they are too small to be seen they are the foundation that keeps and sustains all life. Caring for them is caring for the mauri. This is the source of wellness, of sustainability👩 About Rob:Rob McGowan (Pā Ropata) is a respected rongoā practitioner and leader of the Tīwaiwaka movement who has dedicated decades to understanding and sharing native plant knowledge and conservation principles.Through his work with kaumatua and kuia on the Whanganui River, he gained deep insights into traditional Māori knowledge and its relevance for modern conservation challenges.A recipient of the Queen's Service Medal and the Loder Cup Award, Pā is a co-founder of⁠ Tane's Tree Trust⁠, former chair of the⁠ Bay of Plenty Conservation Board⁠, and advisor to numerous government agencies, Māori tribal authorities, and rongoā Māori related initiatives. To this day, he continues to teach, speak, and advocate for approaches to conservation that honour both traditional knowledge and modern science.🔗Learn more:Tīwaiwaka’s website: ⁠www.tiwaiwaka.nz⁠Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/tiwaiwakanz⁠🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

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• Think Like a Predator: The Art of Effective Trapping (with John Bissell)

  Can poor-quality predator control be worse than no control at all? According to one of New Zealand's leading trapping experts, the answer might surprise you.In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, John Bissell, owner of ⁠Backblocks Environmental Management⁠ and National Predator Control Advisor for ⁠Save the Kiwi⁠, challenges conventional thinking about removing introduced predators.Drawing from decades of experience as a professional predator hunter and conservation specialist, John reveals why treating them as intelligent adversaries - rather than assuming they'll blindly walk into any trap - is crucial for success.Through real-world examples and trail camera observations, he demonstrates how careful attention to detail and understanding animal behaviour can dramatically improve conservation outcomes.It's not just about how many traps we set. It's about approaching each trap setup with strategy, care, and monitoring the outcomes to understand if we’re removing enough to protect our native taonga species.Here are some of the things we discussed:Why quality in predator control matters more than quantityThe importance of thinking like a predator to catch oneHow trap-shy animals develop and why they're a growing challengeThe importance of baseline monitoring and measuring outcomesHow trail cameras are revealing surprising predator behaviours and intelligenceWhy proper trap setup and maintenance is crucial for successThe transformation of Wellington's biodiversity through effective predator controlTips for community groups starting predator control projectsWhy combining old-world skills with new technology is crucialAnd much more…👩About John:John Bissell is the owner of ⁠Backblocks Environmental Management Ltd⁠, and he is also the National Predator Control Advisor for ⁠Save the Kiwi⁠. John is adamant that removing introduced predators to protect one species, like kiwi, also benefits many other native species at place.John’s main area of mahi is in predator control and threatened species protection. His speciality is in finding and removing the one hard-to-get predator in a large landscape, and he has a good number of successful resolutions under his belt. The lessons he has learned ‘chasing one’, have also helped him shape new methods and tricks to help him catch more.As well as boots-on-the-ground delivery, John’s role is increasingly centred around supporting and training people and projects in this line of work, and he is equally passionate about this side of his mahi.🔗Learn more:John’s website: ⁠www.bbem.co.nz⁠John’s Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/nzpredatorhunter⁠Save the Kiwi’s website: ⁠www.savethekiwi.nz⁠🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org

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