Kia ora koutou,
Predator Free Franklin whānau — we need your voice
You’re already out there doing the mahi — trapping, restoring habitats, protecting our taonga species — so this one’s for you.
A study led by AUT (funded by the Franklin Local Board) is exploring what drives people like you to get involved in conservation, and the real impact it’s having — both environmentally and across our communities.
👉 If you’re part of any conservation kaupapa in the Franklin rohe, your insights are incredibly valuable. This is your chance to help shape how volunteering is supported and grown into the future.
⏱ Takes 10–15 minutes
🔒 Completely anonymous
Please complete the survey before May 10th:
https://aut.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LjqYT0DT9pGMei
Feel free to share this with others involved in conservation, and drop us a reply (or emoji!) once you’ve completed it.
Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 16 April 2026, AUTEC Reference number 26/96.
Seasonal update – heading into winter
As we move deeper into autumn and toward winter, we’re starting to see shifts in pest behaviour across Franklin.
With natural food sources becoming more limited, rats are beginning to move closer to homes, sheds, and lifestyle blocks in search of warmth and easy food. This makes now a really important time to keep traps checked, reset, and well baited.
At the same time, mustelid activity is starting to drop off as they settle into more sheltered areas, meaning targeted trapping efforts can become more effective in known hotspots.
A quick check of your lines now can make a big difference heading into the colder months — especially around hedgerows, waterways, and building edges where movement tends to increase.
Upcoming events across Franklin
We’ve got a great line-up of community events coming up — come along, bring a friend, and connect with others doing the mahi.
🌿 Friends of Te Wairoa @ Ararimu Mothers Day Market
📆 Saturday 9 May 🕑 10am–2pm 📍Ararimu Hall
🌿 Pukekohe – Predator Control Education and Supplies
📆 Tuesday 12 May 🕑 9am–1pm 📍Farrell’s Nurseries
🌿 Waiuku Trap Library Open Day
📆 Sunday 17 May 🕑 2–4pm 📍Waiuku Zero Waste
🌿 Beachlands – Predator Control Education and Supplies
📆 Saturday 6 June 🕑 9–11am 📍Beachlands Chartered Club
🌿 Drury – Predator Control Education and Supplies
📆 Saturday 13 June 🕑 9–11am 📍Drury Community Library
Coming soon: Pukekohe East School, Karaka, Glenbrook & Bombay (confirmed details to follow)
If you’re keen to support or host a Predator Control Education and Supplies event in your area, we’d love to hear from you — just reply to this email and we’ll be in touch.
Ngā mihi nui,
Predator Free Franklin Team