A Day on the TraplineClearing Line B at Lake Rototoa
Heather is The Forest Bridge Trust’s South Head Community Liaison, a well-known local of South Head and a member of South Kaipara Landcare for many years. Recently, she headed out on Line B at Lake Rototoa to get a real sense of what it takes to volunteer on a trapline.
Joining her were experienced trappers Muni Dubrau (a stalwart who kept checking and resetting traps through the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle) and friend Chrissy Mawhinney. It was a full-on day in the ngahere and a very real introduction to the work behind predator control.
Not for the faint-hearted, the three-hour mission tested fitness and focus. For experienced trappers, the line usually takes closer to two hours, but this was Heather’s first proper trapline. Her job was tackling the “timmies”, while Muni worked through DOC200 and rat traps. Two possums were dispatched along the way, a clear reminder of why the work matters.
What stood out most to Heather was the ngahere itself, towering trees, abundant puriri, nikau, and kohekohe, and rich rongoā rākau (native plant medicine). One mystery tree was seen and needed to be checked with the help of Dave Aickin, who has deep knowledge of the local flora.
Heather also had an introduction to TrapNZ in action. Seeing how the app works and supports trappers in the field highlighted the value it brings to the mahi. Heather encourages any volunteers who aren’t confident with the app to sign up for the TrapNZ App workshops in July and September.
Attention is now turning to Trap line C, which is being prepared as a more “family-friendly” introduction line for new trappers once the weather allows. Jeremie Ryan is currently working on this line while also supporting other landowners with trapping on their properties.
A special acknowledgement goes to Muni Dubrau and Dave Schellingerhout, who have been the last trappers standing on Line A, tackling steep ridgelines, deep gullies, and long five-hour loops to keep that network maintained. It’s demanding work and deeply appreciated.
Heather also reflected on her time with South Kaipara Landcare and the many trappers she has worked alongside over the years, a reminder that this mahi is built on community, persistence, and shared commitment to the land.
The great thing about volunteering is that there are traplines for all levels of fitness, from those seeking a physical challenge to those who prefer a more accessible “family-friendly” line to start on.
Beyond the practical mahi, volunteering on traplines also offers something just as important, connection. There is a real sense of companionship that comes from working alongside others in the ngahere, sharing the effort, the stories, and the experience of being outdoors together. It is work that builds friendships as much as it builds conservation outcomes.
Most importantly, every trap checked and reset contributes to protecting our native species. From our manu to our bats, lizards, and invertebrates, this collective effort helps give them a safer space to thrive and recover. It is hands-on conservation with real, visible impact.
If you are interested in volunteering at South Head, please contact Heather at Heather@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz or for the East Coast contact Tracy at Community@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz.