Volunteering  |  14h ago

Share this story

A network of traps will be laid along the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River as part of an ambitious project to rid the area of rats.

Managed by the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River Network (OHRN), the Predator Free Ōpāwaho rat trapping project will have oversight and support from Christchurch City Council park rangers.

The project aims to lay a network of traps along the riverbanks from Tunnel Road in Ferrymead to Ngā Puna Wai in Wigram, with the aim of reducing rat numbers to levels that will enable native wildlife to thrive.

Traps are to be housed in wooden boxes designed to Department of Conservation specifications, to prevent interference from non-target species, pets, and members of the public.

Stage one will focus on the lower river from Tunnel Road to Opawa Road and roll out progressively up the river as resources permit.

Residents living near the river are being called on to be part of the team checking and resetting traps on the riverbank.

Community involvement is vital to the success of the initiative, says OHRN Chair Chrissie Williams.

“This is part of the national drive to protect our native ecosystems from the impact of rats. By working together, we can significantly enhance the effectiveness of this project and contribute to the health of our river.”

The project aims to reinforce work undertaken by Pest Free Banks Peninsula and Predator Free Port Hills and is part of the nationwide Pest Free 2050 programme. It includes training of trappers, regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure traps are functioning correctly.

Those interested in getting involved in the Predator Free Ōpāwaho rat trapping project can complete the volunteer form available online.