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 400 free-to-borrow traps, we’re stamping down on stoats, rats, hedgehogs, 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.
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Return clean traps as directed by your TLC Coordinator.
TRAPS AVAILABLE
Flipping Timmy - for possums and feral cats
The Flipping Timmy is the traditional possum trap redesigned for effectiveness, ease of operation and safety. Reengineered and optimised, the Flipping Timmy possum trap has been independently tested and passed the NAWAC humane trap testing guidelines. The ergonomic vertical set provides enhanced operation with no bending over required, the catch area remains clean even if left uncleared for some time. All metal components are stainless and will not rust. The unique red fine setting component can be slid to sit in line with the bait bar to increase the sensitivity of the trap.
Requiring no toxins, it is the perfect tool for farms, bush fringes and for guarding orchards from intruders. The unit can be cleared, rebaited and re-set in seconds. www.envirotools.co.nz
Do not use these traps in town or in places where domestic cats could be roaming.
Download this useful 'How To' information sheet from Envirotools.co.nz
You can also watch a 'How To Video' on the Envirotools website.
DOC 200 Trap - for stoats, rats and hedgehogs
The DOC 200 is an effective, humane trap designed to quickly dispatch stoats, rats, and hedgehogs.
Each TLC DOC 200 trap comes in a custom-built wooden box, made locally by Mauri Oho, to keep the trap secure and safe from farm dogs and children.
For more information, download the DOC 200 information sheet.
The Predator NZ website has a number of handy videos on how to use the DOC 200 trap. To view the videos, click here.
Predator NZ also has a great video on getting the most out of your DOC 200 trap here.
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 - Once you’ve joined the project on the website, download and log into the Trap.NZ app on your phone to record your traps and catches.
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Open the Trap.NZ app. On the map, tap ‘Install’, choose the trap’s location, then select ‘Trap’. Under Code, enter the Trap ID (printed on the trap), and select the correct trap type - DOC 200 or Flipping Timmy.
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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.
