Summer’s Here… And So Are The Predators! 🐾
Rats, possums and mustelids are on the move as the weather warms. Now’s the time to check your traps, refresh your baits, and get set up for a successful season.
This year is a mast year – our native trees are dropping lots of seeds and fruit. More food = more rodents = more predators in our backyards, farms, and bush blocks. Summer trapping and fresh baiting are more important than ever. A little effort now prevents a big spike later and protects birds, lizards, and invertebrates when they’re most vulnerable.
How You Can Help This Summer
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Check traps regularly – sprung traps catch nothing!
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Refresh bait before holidays – predators don’t take breaks.
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Log catches on Trap.NZ – it helps the whole community see progress.
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Share traps with neighbours – spread the load.
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Stop by Farrell’s on Tuesday to restock – after that, we return 10th Feb.
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Invite friends to join Predator Free Franklin
December Bait & Trap Day
📍 Farrell’s Nursery, 46 Pollock Road, Pukekohe
📅 Tuesday 9th December | ⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm
Our volunteers will have:
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Traps & bait
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Property-specific advice
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Troubleshooting for “non-catching” traps
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Updates from Trap.NZ
Bring a friend! Together we protect kākā, kererū, tūī, pekapeka, spoonbills, visiting waderbirds, and even Aussie Bitterns.
Thanks to Farrell’s Nurseries for hosting – check out their native plant specials while you’re there.
Your Efforts Are Paying Off
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New pekapeka colony found near Pukeoware!
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Kākā still visiting Mauku; nine caught on camera above Martyn Wright Road.
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Tūi & kererū spotted in flowering pōhutukawa this week.
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Fewer possum raids on fruit trees around Waiau Pa & Clarks Beach.
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Groups of tūi in Waiuku backyards.
Every trap you set protects these species – thank you for your mahi!
Kia kaha, stay cool, and keep our native taonga safe.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Predator Free Franklin / Te Ara Hīkoi team