Predator-Free Programme

I include predator trapping as an important part of my Te Ara Oranga Youth Programme. 

In our programme we work alongside youth who may not be in formal education. We offer them tools to help develop their skills for everyday life with a view to furthering their education and training.

Regularly heading out along the trap line has many physical, emotional, environmental, occupational and social benefits to help each of them to build meaningful connections into their community. We learn about the various pests that live in the flora and fauna and learn how destructive they are. We learn how important our efforts are by contributing to the region-wide Predator Free Taranaki project.

They learn that they are positively contributing to our community by saving birds lives and they feel proud of themselves.

Regularly checking the traps has directly improved the fitness and wellbeing of these youth and many have re-entered formal education and training. 

How long have you been volunteering for the predator-free programme?
We introduced the trap line into our programme in June 2020.

How often do you check the traps?
When possible we like to head out once a week.

What are the best things about volunteering for the predator-free programme?
Our fitness has improved! We are always watching to see what birds are present each time we head along the trap line. Our trap line is along the Coastal Walkway so we get to meet a lot of people walking or cycling.

What are the most rewarding things about volunteering?
We get a lot of satisfaction from saving bird lives.

Have you noticed any results from your efforts yet?
Yes, locals comment to us that they have noticed an increase in the bird numbers this year.

What do you imagine for the future of urban parks and green spaces in the district?
Native birds enjoying native trees.

What would you say to those that may be keen to get involved?
Go ahead and dedicate a couple of hours to giving our birds a better chance of survival.

I started checking traps as a volunteer in October 2019, but had already set up traps at home several months before that. I started with traps in the reserve across the road from me, but in early 2020, contacted Laura to see if I could do more traps alongside the Waiwhakaiho river near where I work.

I check the traps at least every week, and it’s always exciting to discover another dead rat, weird as that sounds.

I like making a contribution to the goal of a predator-free New Zealand and feeling part of that community effort. I love our native birds and have enjoyed seeing a gradual increase in bird numbers, especially on our Taranaki Mounga, but even in my own backyard.

I hope that our trapping efforts will result in the successful return of more native bird species to urban parks and reserves so that they become a normal part of our everyday landscape.

I encourage anyone to start trapping at home, and to volunteer. It doesn’t take long, and it’s an opportunity to spend some time outdoors, which I enjoy after my working week in the office.

I have been volunteering for one year and four months.

I check the traps at least monthly. When I first started I checked some traps every few days because they were so productive.  

The best things about volunteering for the predator-free programme is that I know I'm helping to eradicate pests which destroy native wildlife. And I am keeping fit while I am walking around my trap area.

The most rewarding thing about (any) volunteering is knowing you are part of a large number of people who are helping to make things better or more possible for people and the environment.

For the future of urban parks I would imagine even more and varied birds, lizards and other native fauna. And no pests, including feral cats.

To people who would like to be involved I would say that if you don't mind bad smells and dead animals in varying states of decay, its a great way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors and our beautiful environment.

And Laura, our volunteer coordinator is encouraging and helpful.