Tukituki Land Care launches Hawke’s Bay’s first Predator Trap Library

In October, local farmer-led catchment collective Tukituki Land Care (TLC) launched Hawke’s Bay’s first-ever predator trap library, giving Tukituki farmers access to more than 500 free-to-borrow traps to help control predators across the catchment.

The project aims to reduce numbers of mustelids, rats, hedgehogs, and possums to boost native biodiversity, support wetland and bush regeneration, and limit the spread of diseases that can affect livestock.

The launch event in Ongaonga drew farmers from across the catchment keen to share ideas, learn about trapping, and take home traps to put straight to use. “It was great to see so many traps loaded into utes and heading out to local farms,” said TLC board member Matt Wade. “People are motivated to get on top of pests and see the benefits for both their land and local wildlife.”

The highlight of the day was hearing from hunter, fisher, conservationist, and trapping legend Sam “The Trap Man” Gibson, who shared stories from his trapping and hunting adventures along with insights from his conservation work. Sam offered plenty of practical advice - from choosing the right bait and traps to knowing where and how to set them for different predators. 

“There’s so much biodiversity on local farms, and it’s really important to stay on top of the predators that threaten it,” said Sam. “Trap libraries are a great way to deal with those one or two problem predators that can be a real niggle at home.”

Nathan Alexander, Biodiversity Advisor at Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, also spoke at the event. Having spent the past decade working in predator control across the North Island, Nathan now focuses on protecting Hawke’s Bay’s threatened ecosystems and species through a range of pest control tools. He encouraged farmers to get involved. “You don’t need ten years of experience to get started,” he said. “There are plenty of free, easy-to-follow guides and local organisations ready to help you begin.”

The response to the Trap Library has been really positive. Within the first week, more than two-thirds of the traps had already been loaned out to local farmers, and one farmer had reported catching three possums on his property - an impressive start for the initiative.

TLC is asking those who borrow traps to log the traps and catches on Trap.NZ - a free, user-friendly mapping tool that helps record trap locations and catches. Over time, this information will help build a clearer picture of predator control across the Tukituki catchment and what impact it is having.

Farmers in the Tukituki catchment who are keen to borrow a trap can visit www.tukitukilandcare.org to find out more and make a booking.