From Traps to TaongaSouth Head Community Comes Together a Trapping Workshop
South Head’s trapping community came together this month for the first South Head Trapping Workshop at Tuparekurau Community Hall, a morning of sharing knowledge, swapping stories, and connecting with others who care about protecting the peninsula’s wildlife.
The workshop brought together experienced trappers, local residents, and people keen to learn more about predator control and how they can get involved in helping create a safer environment for South Head’s native species.
The workshop was part of ongoing efforts to support the South Head community as they work together to reduce predator numbers and create a safer environment for native wildlife.
Sharing knowledge from the field
A highlight of the day was hearing from Cam Rathe, who shared his extensive experience from more than a decade working in the South Head landscape.
Cam spoke about the changes he has witnessed over the years and the difference that dedicated predator control can make. He shared stories from his time working on the peninsula, including when he first started as a DOC Ranger and caught just two possums over an entire summer. Years later, after predator populations had increased, teams were catching around 500 possums in a single summer.
The message was clear, ongoing trapping makes a difference.
Cam also talked about the incredible species that predator control efforts are helping to protect, including tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern), matuku hūrepo (Australasian bittern), and pāteke (brown teal), as well as the many other native birds and wildlife that rely on a healthy landscape.
South Head is home to a number of introduced predators, including rats, hedgehogs, stoats, weasels, ferrets, and feral cats. These predators can have a significant impact on native species, particularly through predation of eggs and chicks.
Practical trapping skills and support
The workshop included a practical trapping demonstration, with Cam sharing advice on setting up, maintaining, and checking different trap types, including DOC200s, DOC250s, SA4s and AT220s.
There was also a chance to learn about trap maintenance, with three DOC traps brought along for repair. Watching Cam diagnose and repair the traps highlighted the importance of keeping equipment working effectively and ensuring every trap can continue doing its job. Helen supported attendees with Trap.NZ app guidance helps people understand how to record their catches and use the app as a tool for monitoring predator control progress.
Growing a local conservation network
One of the most encouraging parts of the workshop was seeing new people wanting to become involved alongside those already doing the mahi.
Several Tupare residents attended, with one person keen to volunteer on the Rototoa trap lines and another bringing traps along for repair. It was also great to hear about local residents already working together to remove woolly nightshade from community bush areas and wanting to be part of future conservation workshops.
Building a strong network of people working together is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting South Head’s environment.
Why every trap matters
Cam’s message throughout the workshop was simple: every person trapping on their own property makes a difference.
Predator control is not just about large-scale projects, it is about hundreds of small actions adding up. Every trap checked, every pest removed, and every person who joins the effort helps reduce pressure on our native species.
When communities come together, the impact is significant.
South Head’s wildlife includes some of Aotearoa’s most precious and threatened taonga. By working together, the community is helping give these species the best possible chance to survive and thrive.
Thanks to the ongoing support and collaboration of South Kaipara Landcare and the Department of Conservation (DOC), whose commitment to supporting community-led conservation is helping strengthen predator control across South Head.
Get involved
A huge thank you to everyone who came along, asked questions, shared stories, and took another step towards protecting South Head’s natural environment.
The next South Head Trapping Workshop will be held in November, keep an eye out for details.
If you have trapping questions, need advice, or would like to get involved with predator control in South Head, contact Heather at Heather@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz.
Together, we can create a safer future for South Head’s wildlife.