Local projects driving real change for native wildlife.
Our Projects Making a Difference Across Waitākere and Swanson
Celebrate the trapper leading the charge this month. See who’s topping the stats and making a difference in their own backyard. Every catch logged helps build a clearer picture of our progress.
A research project in the Waitākere Ranges exploring how reducing invasive wasp numbers can benefit native ecosystems. This wasp control work is part of a wider national programme
Join a local network of people working together to protect native birds. Every household that takes part strengthens the health of our forests and wildlife.
We supply proven field tested gear that is built to last. From bait stations to trap boxes, everything is selected for reliability, safety and ease of use.
Recognising the mahi behind the mission
Trapper of the Month
Trapper of the Month celebrates the locals who keep the pressure on pests and the progress moving forward. These are the people checking traps before work, clearing lines on the weekend and quietly shifting the balance back in favour of our native birds. Every catch they record builds a clearer picture of what is happening across our area and helps guide the work that follows.
The challenge brings a spark of competition and a reason to stay consistent through the year. As more people take part the results stack up and the changes become visible in the bush and backyards around us. Anyone can step into the running and every trap set adds to the momentum. Keep at it and your name might be the next one on the board.
Some trappers chase the top spot while others simply want to do their part, but every contribution matters. The combined effort of many households is what shifts the numbers and brings native species back into the places we all enjoy. Whether you are new to trapping or have been at it for years, your catches help push this project forward.
Ronald Richards
Founder CEO
Gear Up and Keep Climbing
Keep your trapping consistent with gear that is reliable, simple to use and suited to local conditions. A good setup makes a real difference to your results and helps keep the pressure on pests year round.
Helping locals take out rats, one backyard at a time
Wak a Rat
Wak a Rat is a hands-on workshop and trap kit offer for households in the Swanson and Waitākere Township area. You’ll learn how to use a Victor Professional Rat Trap safely and effectively, with advice from experienced trappers on where to place it and how to keep it running.
Each kit includes a trap tunnel, a Victor trap, and a jar of Fix & Fogg chocolate peanut butter. The full retail value is $60, but thanks to local support we offer it for just $30.
To take part, you’ll need to commit to checking your trap weekly, keeping it baited and logging any catches on trap.nz. Traps are limited to one per household and must be prepaid to secure your spot.
If the workshop is full, you can still join the newsletter to hear about the next one.
Videos
Pound A Possum
Possums are a major threat to native birds, fruit trees and gardens across the Waitākere and Swanson area. They eat eggs and chicks, compete with birds for food and can carry bovine tuberculosis which puts local farms and wildlife at risk. Reducing possum numbers makes an immediate difference to the health of our forests and the safety of our native species.
This project provides Timms traps to local households thanks to support from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. These traps are safe, humane and do not use toxins. They are available for a gold coin donation and are supplied in limited numbers so they can reach the people who are actively trapping in the community.
To take part you need to check your trap at least once a week, keep it baited and record any catches on trap.nz. A quarter of an apple works well as bait and is easy to replace. If you are not comfortable handling dead pests this project will not be a good fit for you.
Once you register your interest we will contact you when traps are ready for collection at a central pickup point. Traps are prioritised for residents in the Waitākere Township area who are already registered on trap.nz and logging catches. This helps ensure the project delivers real results for the local environment.
Timms traps are safe when used correctly. Avoid using meat based baits and if you are concerned about pets or other animals you can unset the trap during the day and reset it at dusk. A video on how to set the trap will be available in the next section.
Join the project and help protect native wildlife by removing possums from your backyard and your neighbourhood.
Community powered conservation for Waitakere and Swanson.
