Below you’ll find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your question.
What is Tiakina Whangārei?
Tiakina Whangārei is a community-led initiative with an ultimate goal of protecting and enhancing the city’s native biodiversity. We’re showing people within the city of Whangārei who might be new to trapping how to do it simply and effectively. We believe that protecting our native biodiversity is something everyone can be involved in, and if we all do our part the national Predator Free 2050 goal will be realised.
Where do you get your funding?
Tiakina Whangārei is primarily funded through Northland Regional Council rates.
What kind of traps are available through Tiakina Whangarei?
Tiakina Whangarei is mainly focused on eradicating rats and possums; although, taking out a stoat or two would not be discouraged. Rat trap starter kits are available to Whangārei residents for $10 from the Northland Regional Council offices on Water Street. We have a limit of two per house as they are sold below cost price. If you live in Whangārei and want to control other predators, please get in touch and we can discuss your needs.
Who are the existing conservation groups in Whangārei I could get involved with?
There are so many existing conservation groups all over Whangārei. If you would like to volunteer, get in touch with us and we can find your closest group, or contact Volunteer Northland.
What pests is Tiakina Whangārei targeting? Why?
Tiakina Whangārei mainly targets rats as our monitoring has found that these are the most abundant predators in the city. If you live close to bush areas, possums may also be an issue. These predators are a threat to our native wildlife, and can also spread diseases, spoil food, cause fires by nibbling electrical wires, and steal the fruit off your trees!
I don’t live in Whangārei City – can I still buy the $10 rat traps?
This project aims to support conservation activities within Whangārei city. Other Northland Regional Council funded initiatives occur across the Northland region which may be able to support your mahi. Please get in touch with the NRC to discuss your needs.
Are domestic cats pests as well?
The ‘cat’ issue is a topic of hot debate and while it is widely known that cats are killers of our native wildlife, they are also much-loved companion pets for many people. Accordingly, managing the risk cats have on native wildlife is as much a social issue as it is an ecological one. Tiakina Whangārei advocates for the responsible ownership of pet cats to reduce their impact on other wildlife. This includes sterilising your cat and keeping them inside during the night, especially at dusk and early dawn. Furthermore, attaching a bell to its collar has been found to halve the number of birds that the cat will catch. For more information, have a look here.
Does anyone come and kill the predators when you catch them?
No. Tiakina Whangārei simply does not have the resources to do that. We supply traps that will humanely kill the predators so that you only need to dispose of them (please wear gloves when doing this).
How do I set my rat trap and where should I place it?
Good question! Check out Mayor Sheryl Mai’s tips on how to do this. Or, check out our recent blog explaining how to set your first trap.
I have my backyard trap, but would like to do more. What next?
Great! There are lots of other ways to help our native wildlife in Whangārei. This may involve becoming a Community Lead by starting and supporting a small group of neighbours or friends to have backyard traps, joining an existing conservation project, or starting your own trapping project in your local reserve. For more information, click here or contact us.
What is Trap.NZ?
Trap.NZ is a free online tool or downloadable app that allows you to either join an existing trapping project or start your own. Trap.NZ lets you upload your trap(s) onto the project map and record all of your catches.
We strongly encourage you to join the Tiakina Whangarei project on Trap.NZ when you get your rat trap pack from us and put your trap on the map. This lets us know where the traps are going, and areas that we need to try and increase trapping numbers. It is easy to join and use Trap.NZ. Here are some instructions.
