Together we select outstanding predator free communities around the country and supply them with funding so they can purchase subsidised trapping equipment. On top of that, we give these groups ongoing support, information and advice.
Our goal is to get a trap in every 5th backyard in towns, suburbs and neighbourhoods in New Zealand who want to make their community predator free. Find out more about our communities here.
What kind of support do selected communities receive?
If you are selected as one of our Kiwibank Predator Free Communities, you will receive:
- Funding provided by Kiwibank to enable the purchasing of subsidised equipment (traps and monitoring) and support material.
- Support to access best practice (people and information), online support for capturing data/information etc, networks and connections with other predator control communities & leaders.
- Promotion through local and national media.
Who are our current Kiwibank Predator Free communities?
We have supported over 55 communities with urban backyards around New Zealand. Find out more about them here.
Funding round
Our latest round of funding has closed. The winners will be announced early June 2019 through our social media pages.
FAQs
Who can apply for Kiwibank funding?
Anyone can apply for funding – you don’t have to be a registered charity or conservation group. You just need to get together with a few like minded people in your community with urban backyards, work out what you’re aiming to do and how you plan to do it BUT make sure you answer the quick funding test below.
Quick test for whether you qualify for funding
The easiest way for us to figure out whether you may qualify for funding is by answering the question below.
How do you mow your lawn?
- if you mow it by foot, you’re residential, so yes
- if you need a ride-on mower, you’re a lifestyle block, so no
- if you need a tractor, you’re a farm, so no.
What support will we receive from PFNZ Trust?
We are here to help you facilitate and set-up your predator free community programme. Support may include helping to organise community meetings, setting up a Facebook page, account management services, purchase of products and provision of support materials. We will work with successful communities to figure out the best support for them.
What predators are targeted as part of this funding?
Our programme focuses on the removal of rats, possums, stoats, ferrets and weasels only.
Does funding cover both rural and urban communities?
The funding is primarily for urban backyards and this programme doesn’t cover trapping on reserves, lifestyle blocks, farms, Council or Government land and excludes the use of toxins.
How much funding could we potentially receive and what will it cover?
Successful applicants may receive up to $5,000. The amount you receive will depend on the size of your community and what you are trying to achieve. We will discuss individual needs with each successful community.
Kiwibank funds can be used to subsidise the purchase of traps and pre-made tunnels. Pre-trapping accessories, building supplies for making tunnels, advertising & marketing materials and some event costs (these by negotiation) can be purchased using Kiwibank funds. All traps available under this programme are NAWAC tested and approved.
What is NAWAC?
In New Zealand humane traps are those approved by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). PFNZ and Kiwibank only endorse the use of NAWAC tested and approved predator traps. NAWAC tested traps meet the highest humane standard, use scientific & technical knowledge in testing and follow good practice to meet community expectations.
How does the subsidy work?
Kiwibank and PFNZ require our communities to offer affordable traps rather than free traps. Prior experience has shown us that if people have to invest a small amount in their trap they show more ownership and continue trapping for longer than if they are given free traps. In some communities this investment might be in time rather than financially.
How do we source products?
PFNZ will provide account management services to successful communities, including the purchase and supply of products.
Kiwibank are sponsoring this programme, what are their expectations?
Both Kiwibank and PFNZ are keen to share your stories about your predator activities – the good, the bad and the ugly. This helps others learn from your experiences and may encourage other communities to take up the predator free challenge.
We are keen to know how you are doing i.e. are you making any progress? So they are interested in seeing your results, the changes you are noticing etc.
Kiwibank staff are keen to help support this movement, so if you need some extra hands your local Kiwibank staff may be keen to be involved.
What about pets?
Great care is being taken to avoid harm to our pets. All the rat traps we supply come in tunnels that protect pets (and kids) from the trap itself.
As the leader/coordinator of the group what if my circumstances change or I want to handover responsibility?
This is a great question and something worth considering when setting up your community group and making your plan. You need to think about the support around you. It often works if there are a couple of leaders so there is a bit of backup. You can’t do it all on your own so it helps to have a few people around you to encourage others to get involved.
Other useful information
- We also run a Kiwibank Schools programme, find out more.
- Start a backyard group.
- Trapping best practice information.