We look for new backyard trapping projects to join our Predator Free Communities programme several times a year. Currently funding rounds are closed — sign up to our newsletter to receive updates.
We select outstanding predator free communities from around the country and supply them with funding to enable them to purchase subsidised trapping equipment. On top of that, we give these groups ongoing support, information and advice.
Our goal is to have a trap in every 5th backyard in towns, suburbs and neighbourhoods in New Zealand who want to make their community predator free.
Who are our Predator Free Communities?
We have supported over 66 predator free communities around the country. Find out who they are here.
What kind of support do selected communities receive?
If you are selected as one of our Predator Free Communities, you will receive:
- Funding 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.
FAQs
When is the next funding round?
Funding rounds are open at various times during the year. Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates.
Who can apply for 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 to see whether you qualify for funding
Given we run a residential backyard trapping programme, it’s important that the size of your backyard isn’t too big! The easiest way for us to know whether you may qualify for funding is by answering the question below and whilst it may seem somewhat random, it’s a great indicator of how big your backyard really is!
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 we won’t fund you
- if you need a tractor, you’re a farm, so no we won’t fund you.
What support will we receive?
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 introduced 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.
Funds can be used to subsidise the following:
- pre-trapping accessories such as chew cards, tracking tunnels etc.
- traps and pre-made tunnels
- building supplies for making tunnels (if required)
- advertising & marketing materials and some event costs (these by negotiation).
In New Zealand, trap use is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act 1999. This Act permits any trap to be used for trapping any species, but it also enables the Minister of Agriculture to recommend to the Governor General traps that should be prohibited because they cause unacceptable pain and suffering.
To enable the welfare performance of traps to be assessed in a standardised way, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) has developed a trap-testing guideline.
All traps available under our programme have passed/met NAWAC testing guidelines.
How does the subsidy work?
We 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?
We will provide account management services to successful communities, including the purchase and supply of products.
What are the Trust’s expectations?
We 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 we are interested in seeing your results, the changes you are noticing etc.
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 Predator Free Schools programme.
- Start a backyard group.
- Trapping best practice.