Upper Ongarue Trap Line
The Upper Ongarue Catchment Group, with support from the Whanganui Region Catchment Collective and Horizons Regional Council’s Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant, successfully delivered an extension to its community-led predator control programme in 2025.
The project aimed to protect the region’s thriving population of whio (blue duck) and other native species through expanded predator trapping in previously untrapped parts of the catchment on the Okauaka Stream. Over 2 kms of high-priority Okauaka stream habitat were brought under protection through the establishment of new traplines.
Achievements and Outcomes:
- 30 new predator traps installed, including:
- 5 x AT220 self-resetting traps
- 7 x SA2 traps
- 17 x DOC 200 double set traps
- Local community volunteers contribute hours of trap monitoring and maintenance.
- A community trapping workshop was held to build local capacity, led by Whanganui Region Catchment Collective with support from pest control specialist Cam Speedy.
- Traps were strategically placed in consultation with local experts (including KC Pest Solutions and DoC contractors) to ensure coverage of high-risk and previously untrapped areas.
- All kills are recorded viaTrapNZ to contribute to regional data collection.
- Strengthened community capacity through hands-on training, equipment, and engagement.
- Long-term sustainability ensured, with local landowners and volunteers continuing to monitor and maintain traplines.
This project has strengthened biodiversity outcomes in the Upper Ongarue catchment, building on community momentum to ensure a safer, more resilient habitat for native wildlife.
