Predator Free Communities Funding

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About the funding

In partnership with Simplicity Foundation, we select outstanding predator free backyard communities from around New Zealand and give them funding for trapping equipment.

We also offer ongoing support, information and advice.

Funded groups receive between $1,000 and $5,000 based on need and size of the community.

We have supported nearly 200 backyard communities around the country; find out where they are on our map.

If your group is selected as one of our Predator Free Backyard Communities, you will receive:

A person in a workshop building trap boxes
Trap box building workshop in North East Valley, Dunedin. Image credit: Open Valley Urban Ecosanctuary
  • Funding to purchase pre-approved equipment and materials, including:
    • Pre-trapping and monitoring equipment eg. chew cards, tracking tunnels etc
    • Approved traps and pre-made trap tunnels
    • Building supplies for making trap tunnels (if required)
  • Marketing material and volunteer engagement costs, eg. flyers, info sheets, posters, and gatherings.
  • Access to best practice predator control information, research, data and expertise.
  • Connections with other predator control communities and leaders.
  • Promotion through local and national media (where possible).

We can support you to purchase products and support materials, organise community meetings, set up a Facebook group, and other ideas to engage your community. We will work with you to figure out how to best support your group. 

We will arrange regular online meetings with funded groups to stay in touch and answer any questions. A brief progress report is required. Allocated funding should be used within 12-18 months.

Current funding round

  • Applications open on 4 February and close on 9 March.
  • Another 2025 funding round will take place in July.

Eligibility criteria

Any community with a plan to control predators in residential backyards throughout their suburb or town can apply for funding. You don’t need to be a registered charity or conservation organisation. 

Man with a trap and tunnel.
Richmond Community Gardens mens shed builds trap tunnels. Image credit: Richmond Community Gardens
  • Funding is available to backyard trapping groups in a suburb or town.
  • Eligible backyard groups can also use some of the funding to trap in community spaces (marae, schools, scout halls, bowling clubs, RSAs, etc).
  • Reserves, lifestyle blocks, farms, council and government land are not covered.
  • School trapping projects are not eligible.
  • This funding covers rat and possum traps for backyards, not DOC series traps for stoats, ferrets, and weasels.
  • All traps funded under our programme must meet the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) testing guidelines (PDF, 365 KB) for the target predator species. Rat traps are in wooden tunnels to keep pets and kids safe.

Only one application per group per funding round. Please talk to others in your group to ensure you don’t submit multiple applications. Your group can apply again in future rounds.

Quick eligibility test

This funding is for residential backyards. The easiest way to know if your group is eligible is by answering the question below. 

How do you mow your lawn?

  • If you mow it on foot, you’re likely residential, so yes, you’re eligible to apply for this funding.
  • If you or your neighbours need a ride-on mower, we consider you a lifestyle block, so unfortunately, you’re not eligible.
  • If you need a tractor, you’re probably a farm, so unfortunately, you’re not eligible.

What we look for

We’ve noticed some common traits among successful groups. Thriving backyard community groups tend to be:

  • Run by a group of people, often a committee. Sharing the load means using different peoples’ strengths and talents and avoiding one person shouldering all the responsibility — which can lead to burnout.
  • Encouraging koha (donations) from backyard trappers for traps, rather than giving them away for free. When people give something towards a trap, they are more likely to remain involved and active as trappers. Selling your traps also means you can keep your group going and supply traps to more people.
  • Active and visible in the community. Turning up at community events and school fairs, dropping flyers in letterboxes or knocking on doors takes a lot of time and energy but results in strong community engagement and volunteer numbers. We look for groups who already have momentum and are making a difference in their area.