Predator Free Waitakere Township News

Hi <<First Name>>,

Welcome to the Newsletter for June 2022.

The month started off with some cold wet weather, that seemed to keep the possums at home. But wow the Rats were coming out of the woodwork.

Later in the month (when the weather improved) the possums reappeared loaded with juveniles. So it looks like the Possum breeding season in starting the Waitakere Ranges. The group removed a total of nine in June.

Meeting of the great minds - A few keen people

We had a committee meeting to discuss the next "Wak a Rat" project on 9 June. Michelle Swanepoel the PFWRA Coordinator came along and told us about some exciting things coming up.

A new pamphant being distruted to new residents. Also an umbrella scheme is being setup, that might help smaller groups like us get more funding, so we look forward to hearing more about that.

New Sponsors

Huge thanks to Carol from DeadRat.co.nz for donating some prizes for our monthly meetings, thanks so much Carol you are a star.

Also breaking news Mitre 10 Mega Westgate are going to sponsor the "Wak a Rat" project and have supplied building materiel to make the tunnels.  Thanks to them all.

If you buying any trapping Gear, please consider supporting our amazing Sponsors.

PFWRA Volunteer of the month

Our very own Joshua Hall has been named the Volunteer of the month for his work in our group. Congrats Joshua aka Flower Boy for the well deserved recognition.

Next Group Meeting at the RSA

We are hoping to arrange another full meeting this week, we don't know the date yet. But please keep an eye on your email.

Whats happening in our Facebook Group

Where can I dump my Weeds (This month)

Do you have some invasive weeds in your own backyard you want to dispose them for free, Auckland Council have bins setup at certain times for you to use.

• 11-12 June - Waiatarua: Waiatarua Hall, 911 West Coast Road
• 11-12 June - Laingholm: Laingholm Hall, 69 Victory Road

Last Months Results

Big thanks to these group members that recorded their trap successes this month on trap.nz. The native birds and the environment thank you.

greghoskins89, tjsworldnz, waitakdan, timlawton, blondie, dbainbridge, liz stone, wak trapper, anjcarnie, stefan.marks, jdiesh, wandering farmer, trapper trev, sarahlb, stub and libby brickell

*The names here is from the 'Installed by' field on the trap records*

We had 16 active trappers last month, if you want to get involved register your traps on trap.nz and set your traps.

Waitakere Township Leader board

Congratulations to "waitakdan" for taking out the prestigious honor of winning the "Trapper of the Month" this month.

If you see "waitakdan" in the area, remember to give them a hearty congratulations.

Great to see two new trappers on the Leaderboard this month, Liz Stone with the most possums and Stud with the most Pest Birds.

For full details check out the Leader Board HERE

*The names here are from the "Installed By" field on the trap record on trap.nz.*

End of the Line

Well huge thanks to Andy and Joshua for getting the Rat traps finished and securing sponsorship from Mitre 10 to supply the Building materials for the tunnels.

We are organising workshops to help people learn how to catch rats and get their hand on a subsidised trap and tunnel. You can learn more HERE.

Have a great Trapping month and be safe out there.

Gary Fawcett "Wak Trapper"
Predator Free Waitakere Township