This week, 11SCP welcomed guest speaker Lex Coutts from the local branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.

Lex shared inspiring insights into how community organisations across Aotearoa are playing a vital role in the wider Predator Free NZ movement.

He gave students a firsthand look at field conservation by sharing his work maintaining a 12.5 km trapline in the Landsborough Valley near Haast. Through this ongoing volunteer effort, Lex and his team are actively protecting some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable native birds, including the endangered mohua (yellowhead).