Why we trap
If you love the birds on South Head, trapping is the easiest way to do your part. A few minutes a week outside your own door is all it takes.
Get started with Trap NZ
How to start trapping
Rats, stoats and possums are the biggest threat to the native birds returning to South Head, including the bittern, fairy tern and dabchick. Every trap checked adds up.
New to trapping? Start with a Timmy trap outside your door. It's simple, safe, and the single biggest thing a household can do for local birdlife.
Get started
Trap NZ
Free app for logging catches
Every trap you log helps us see what's working across the peninsula, not just in your backyard.
A high priority area
South Head has been identified as a high priority area in the programme to make New Zealand predator free by 2050. Landcare and its members are passionate about doing our part, protecting the threatened and endangered species that call this peninsula home.
It's not just about the birds either. Stoats and ferrets will attack chickens, and possums are very effective at stripping fruit trees. Trapping protects your own backyard as much as it protects the birds.
Log your catches, see the impact
Trap NZ is a free app used across the country to record trap, bait and catch data. Every entry you log helps us see what's working across the whole peninsula, not just in your own backyard, and it takes seconds after each check.
New to the app? This short video walks you through setting up your first trap.
We've got traps and know how to use them
South Kaipara Landcare members can borrow traps to help control predators on their property. We'll help you choose the right trap and show you how to use it.
Borrow traps →
Pest Control Hub
Our current hubs focus on pest control across:
- Lake Rototoa Reserve
- Lake Kereta margin
- The Dune Lakes project area
- A couple of private bush blocks
Traplines in these hubs are set up and maintained by volunteers.