TLC TRAP LIBRARY
SUMMARY
In October 2025, TLC launched Central Hawke’s Bay’s first predator Trap Library for farmers in the 17 Tukituki sub-catchments. With 460 free-to-borrow traps, we’re stamping down on stoats, rats, hedgehogs, ferrets, possums and feral cats to boost native biodiversity, help our wetlands and bush regenerate and lower the spread of disease affecting our livestock.
TRAP HIRE
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Traps are free-to-borrow and only available for Tukituki farmers.
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Borrow traps for three months (renewals possible if stock allows).
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Check and clear traps at least once a month.
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Record your traps and catches using the Trap.NZ app - see below for helpful tips.
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Return clean traps as directed by your TLC Coordinator.
DOC 250
TRAPS NOW
AVAILABLE
TRAPS AVAILABLE
Flipping Timmy - for possums and feral cats
The Flipping Timmy is a modern take on the classic possum trap - redesigned to be safer, more durable and easier to use, while delivering fast, humane results.
Its upright, vertical setting means no bending down to arm the trap, and the strike area stays cleaner even if the trap hasn’t been cleared straight away.
The Flipping Timmy has been independently assessed and meets humane standards set by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
You’ll find setup guides and demonstration videos from the manufacturer, Envirotools, which are helpful if you’re new to using this style of trap.
Recommended lures
For possums:
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Apple or pear pieces
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You can experiment with peanut butter, jam or marmalade on your fruit pieces
For feral cats (where appropriate and safe):
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Fish (fresh or tinned)
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Meat scraps or rabbit
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Strong-smelling cat food
Mount your trap vertically to a tree or post using the screws at a comfortable user height – typically 1.5m off the ground.
Do not use these traps in town or in places where domestic cats could be roaming.
Always wear gloves when setting traps and handling catches.
DOC 200 - for stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs
The DOC 200 is a proven, humane kill trap designed to quickly and effectively control stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs.
Each TLC DOC 200 trap is housed in a sturdy, custom-built wooden tunnel, made locally by Mauri Oho, to keep the trap secure and safe from farm dogs and children.
For full setup and safety guidance, see the DOC 200 information sheet.
You’ll also find a range of clear, practical how-to videos on the Predator Free New Zealand Trust website, including tips on positioning and baiting your trap for the best results.
Recommended lures
For weasels and stoats:
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Fresh meat — especially rabbit, chicken or hare (in summer this usually lasts around five days, but can be very effective in that time)
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Raw mutton or beef fat
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Dehydrated rabbit (Erayz)
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Mayonnaise
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Eggs (try with or without a small hole)
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Fish-flavoured cat food
For rats:
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Peanut butter or other nut-based spreads
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Chocolate
For hedgehogs:
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Salmon and fresh meat
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Eggs
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mayonnaise, peanut butter, dairy, or anything fatty
Position the tunnel along natural travel routes so animals move over the trap rather than around it. Good spots include fence lines, hedgerows, stream edges, bush margins around tree roots, beside fallen logs, or inside dry culverts. Keep entrances clear of leaves, grass and debris so access isn’t blocked.
Always wear gloves when setting traps and handling catches.
DOC 250 – for ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs
The DOC 250 trap is a proven, humane trap which is larger and more powerful than the DOC 200, and is primarily designed for ferrets. It is also highly effective for stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs.
Because of its strong spring mechanism, extra care is needed when setting this trap. We recommend watching the step-by-step setup video from Trap.NZ to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. Watch video here.
For more information, see the DOC 250 information sheet.
Recommended lures
For weasels, stoats and ferrets:
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Fresh meat — especially rabbit, chicken or hare (in summer this usually lasts around five days, but can be very effective in that time)
-
Raw mutton or beef fat
-
Dehydrated rabbit (Erayz)
-
Mayonnaise
-
Eggs (try with or without a small hole)
-
Fish-flavoured cat food
For rats:
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Peanut butter or other nut-based spreads
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Chocolate
For hedgehogs:
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Salmon and fresh meat
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Eggs
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mayonnaise, peanut butter, dairy, or anything fatty
Ferrets are generally easier to catch in late summer and autumn, but can be trapped year-round.
Position the tunnel along natural travel routes so animals move over the trap rather than around it. Good spots include fence lines, hedgerows, stream edges, bush margins around tree roots, beside fallen logs, or inside dry culverts. Keep entrances clear of leaves, grass and debris so access isn’t blocked.
Always wear gloves when setting traps and handling catches.
USING TRAP.NZ TO RECORD CATCHES
Recording trap locations and catches on Trap.NZ is an important part of the programme. Everyone who borrows traps is asked to register and record their trap placements and catches on the app. It helps us keep track of how the project is going and celebrate the impact you’re all having.
Here’s how to get started:
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Set up a Trap.NZ account. We recommend doing this on the website (not the app).
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Join the “Tukituki Land Care” project. While you’re logged in on the website, search for and join Tukituki Land Care. (Tip: this step can be tricky on the app, so it’s best to do it on the website first).
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Download the Trap.NZ app to your device and log in to your account
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On the map, tap ‘Install’, choose the trap’s location then press the green tick.
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Select ‘Trap’. Under Code, enter the Trap ID (printed on the trap), and select the correct trap type - DOC 200, DOC 250 or Flipping Timmy. If you wish, you can also add more information under the 'notes' section - bait used, location description etc.
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To record a catch: Tap the red triangle on the map (this marks your trap), then enter the catch details.
Helpful guides:
If you get stuck, the Trap.NZ helpline is excellent and always happy to help: support@trap.nz or call 0800872769.
TRAP LIBRARY LAUNCH WITH SAM THE TRAP MAN
We were thrilled to launch the TLC Trap Library in October 2025 with a fantastic event in Ongaonga, attended by farmers from across the catchment who took time off the farm to connect, share ideas, and soak up the good vibes. It was great to see so many traps loaded into utes and heading out to local farms.
The highlight of the day was hearing from hunter, fisher, conservationist, and trapping legend Sam “The Trap Man” Gibson, who shared plenty of yarns from his trapping and hunting adventures along with insights from his inspiring conservation work.
Within the first week of launching, over two-thirds of the traps had already been loaned out to local farmers and one farmer had already caught three possums on his property - an awesome start for the library.
All trappers are being asked to use Trap.NZ to record traps and catches and we look forward to sharing the results from this project with you all.
Follow Tukituki Land Care on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with future events and updates.
