Kia ora,

Hope you’re keeping warm as this cold spell hits. A huge thanks to our volunteers for braving the chill, and getting out there to clear the traps. It’s been a while since we’ve put out a newsletter so here’s what’s in this:

• Tracking our numbers

• The tricky Newcastle trap line

• Setting up the Cardrona River trap line

• Volunteers attend trapping workshop

• Legendary trapper Cam Speedy visits Wānaka

• Bullock Creek bird count

• The Kārearea project update

Tracking our numbers

• 6,962 introduced predators removed since we started

• 34 trap lines

• 1,279 total traps installed

• 57,698 total checks by volunteers (you rock!)

April 2026 numbers

Possum - 52, Ferret - 9, Hedgehog - 47, Mouse - 85, Rabbit - 1, Rat - 60, Stoat - 2, Weasel - 1, Other - 6, Unspecified -7. Total pests removed: 271 Total checks - 1,969.

Newcastle trap line

It’s not often you need a jet boat, quad bikes and a team of volunteers on mountain bikes to install traps but we needed all those for setting up the 14 kilometre-long Newcastle trap line, which extends from Albert Town through to Luggate. 

Three Predator Free Wānaka volunteers did monitoring prior to putting the trapline in, finding mice, rats, stoats, ferrets, hedgehogs and possums. Four volunteers rode in the jet boat to deposit traps along the riverbank, another used a quad bike to place the traps in the right location, eight others rode mountain bikes to bait and set the traps, and 10 volunteers are rostered to check and re-bait the traps.

It’s been a real community effort. We appreciate the funding from the Rotary Club of Wānaka which allowed us to set up the long trap line and buy the bait, Aspiring Rotary Club also contributed funds while a team at the Wānaka Community Workshop built the traps that were installed. We wouldn't be able to continue our work without the support of our funders and volunteers, thank you!

Volunteers attend trapping workshop

On a beautiful, cold but sunny day early in May, Predator Free Wānaka held a trapping workshop at the Outlet, attracting 16 new volunteer trappers.

Katie, Sam, Stu and Megan ran the workshop and the volunteers learnt about the introduced predators we target, and the different traps we use.

There was even a perspex trap, which had been built by the Wānaka Community Workshop, so everyone attending could easily see inside a typical trap. The workshop focused on making sure the volunteers were all involved in the hands-on practice to safely operate all the traps. 

Have you ever wondered which birds visit your garden or live around Bullock Creek?

Join Friends of Bullock Creek for a fun community bird watch and count at the Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs wetland on Tues 30 June (12 noon to 1 pm) or Sun 5 July (12 noon to 1 pm). It’s at 107 Stone Street, Wānaka.

No birdwatching experience is needed — beginners are warmly welcome. Drop FOBC a quick email if you’re keen to participate.