Predator Free Westmere / Te Rehu Konihi Kore supports Predator Free New Zealand’s ambitious goal - Predator Free 2050 - to rid New Zealand of possums, rats & stoats - the most damaging introduced predators that threaten our nation’s natural taonga, our economy and our primary sector.
The coastline around Westmere is an important stepping stone between the Waitakere ranges and other habitat areas, so having a thriving backyard trapping group in the area is important for helping to protect native flora and fauna. The group started up in 2018 and to date have nearly 100 traps in backyards across Westmere. Theo Brandt and Rick Thevenard have recently taken over leadership of the group and are fired up to give it a new lease of life. If you already have a trap but have not reported catches please drop them an email. This data is crucal for monitoring our progress. If you’ve been trying but not catching anything, don’t hesitate to get in touch and they’ll give you some handy tips. If you’re keen to get involved and need a trap, drop them a line and they’ll supply you with a free rat trap in a wooden safety box (to keep kids and pets safe) or loan you a possum trap.