Making Every Trap Count

A 12-year-old student from Takapau School has removed 27 predators from Waipukurau’s Forest of Memories, in a project showing what can be achieved when local community organisations work together.

As part of his community service for the CHB William Pike Challenge, Luca Ormond borrowed 12 DOC 200 traps from the Tukituki Land Care Trap Library and spent six months trapping at the Forest of Memories.

Over 13 hours of community service, Luca regularly checked and rebaited the traps, with help from his dad, catching 21 rats, five weasels and one hedgehog.

“I was surprised by how much we caught, especially the number of rats,” Luca said. “It was good knowing that every pest we caught was helping the birds and other wildlife in the forest.”

The project brought together three Central Hawke’s Bay community organisations. Tukituki Land Care supplied the traps through its free Trap Library, Luca’s involvement with the CHB William Pike Challenge encouraged him to think creatively about how he could contribute meaningful community service, and the Rotary Club of Waipukurau supported his trapping efforts in the Forest of Memories, which it has managed for more than 30 years.

Tukituki Land Care Catchment Lead Michelle Goodman said the project was a great example of why the Trap Library was established.

“We want to make it easy for people in our rural communities to have a go at trapping without having to invest in traps themselves. It’s fantastic to see Luca using them in a community space like the Forest of Memories, and 27 predators in six months shows what a real difference even one person can make.”

Located at the base of Pukeora Scenic Road, the Forest of Memories is a 10-hectare memorial arboretum owned and cared for by the Rotary Club of Waipukurau. The first trees were planted in 1993 and its network of tracks and bridges now winds through mature and newly planted trees, many accompanied by plaques placed in memory of local people.

Controlling introduced predators such as rats and weasels is important because they prey on native birds, eggs, chicks, lizards and invertebrates. Regular trapping helps reduce predator numbers and gives native wildlife a better chance to thrive.

The William Pike Challenge encourages young people to contribute to their communities through service, alongside outdoor activities and personal development. For Luca, trapping provided a practical way to give something back to a place enjoyed by the wider community.

After six months of checking and rebaiting traps, Luca’s 13 hours of community service had a clear result: 27 fewer predators in the Forest of Memories, and a little more breathing room for the native wildlife that calls it home.