Whakatipu Wildlife Trust (WWT) is the umbrella group for community conservation land, reserve and backyard trapping in the Whakatipu. Their focus is on helping communities set up and maintain predator traplines to target possums, ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats, hedgehogs. These animals are all introduced by humans to NZ, and prey upon on our native birds, lizards and insects who have not evolved defenses to these types of predators. Over 25 million native birds are killed by introduced predators every year in Aotearoa | New Zealand. WWT is working towards a predator free Whakatipu, as part of the national Predator Free 2050 mission.
There are traplines along most of the walking and cycling tracks around the Whakatipu. Many traplines are in scenic locations, and as a trapper you have the opportunity to access areas that are off the beaten track for many people!
As a WWT volunteer you would help with all aspects of managing these traps.
What volunteering with WWT has to offer:
- Full hands-on training and support, including health and safety orientation with the WWT team
- Trapping tools set provided
- Meet like-minded new people
- Give back to nature and the Whakatipu
- Learn about our native wildlife and introduced species
- Be part of a wider movement towards increased native biodiversity
- Regular educational conservation events
- Regular upskilling workshops
- Regular social Trappernatter get togethers
Your key tasks could include:
- Walk or bike your marked trapline, checking for any sprung traps or catches, clearing out any catches and resetting the traps
- Rebait traps with eggs/meat
- Record all catches and other activities on the TrapNZ app. All trap locations are marked using GPS
- Help to maintain the traps (cleaning, calibrating, repairing)
- Assist with installing new traplines with the WWT team as required
Your role could be performed solo, or with a buddy. All traps are NAWAC welfare tested instant kill traps and no toxins are used.
Your Impact:
- Reducing introduced predator numbers allows more native birds, reptiles and insects to survive and thrive
- Frequent rebaiting of traps leads to higher catch rates due to fresher bait
- Accurate data entry into the TrapNZ app helps WWT measure their impact and improve trapping techniques
- Proper trap set up and maintenance ensures better trap performance and welfare
Requirements
You do not need any prior knowledge except for a genuine interest in conservation, an enjoyment of being outside in nature and;
- Able to attend initial training and health and safety orientation
- Ability to follow instructions and health and safety requirements
- Ability to walk across uneven terrain, with a reasonable level of fitness
- Enough mobility to be able to bend down to service traps, and to set traps with your hands
- Comfortable handling trap catches and meat based baits
- Own a smartphone and are willing to learn and use TrapNZ app to record catches
- Have sturdy outdoor shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and clothing for the outdoors (windbreaker/rain jacket)
- Access to reliable transport if servicing further afield traplines
- Willing to upskill and undertake further training when the opportunity arises
- Ability to communicate respectfully with the public and your fellow volunteers
There are traplines and volunteering opportunities across the Whakatipu Basin, but WWT are in particular looking for volunteers for Coronet Peak face, Remarkables Station, Gibbston Valley, Lake Hayes loop, Shotover Country, Queenstown Hill, Lake Johnson.
You can also be a "float" trapper, where you volunteer on different traplines filling in when people are away.
Time commitment
WWT are looking for people who are able to make a fairly regular commitment for a minimum of six months.
- The time investment for a volunteer is flexible. You can choose the day and time to carry out your trap checks to suit your schedule.
- Most volunteers help at least once a month, but depending on your availability, you can go out more frequently weekly or fortnightly.
- Depending on the length of the trapline volunteers are usually out for 2-4 hours at a time.
If you have less time to give, you can still be involved. Some volunteers are only able to help every few months, or at certain times of the year.
WWT also have events happening for volunteers throughout the year, including conservation talks, trapping and monitoring skills workshops, and volunteer social get togethers, and you are encouraged to attend as many of these as you wish!
Getting started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Enquire about this role:
Dunedin