Frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about Tiakina Te Taitokerau, backyard trapping, volunteering and protecting our native wildlife. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us!
About Tiakina Te Taitokerau
Tiakina Te Taitokerau is a community-led initiative working to protect and enhance native biodiversity across Northland, specifically in Whangārei. We’re here to support individuals and community groups to remove pest animals and plants from our region.
Tiakina Whangārei is primarily funded through Northland Regional Council rates.
We mainly target rats, as our monitoring has found they are the most abundant predators in the city. If you live close to bush areas, possums may also be an issue. These predators threaten our native wildlife, spread diseases, spoil food, cause fires by nibbling electrical wires, and steal fruit from trees! Learn more
The role of cats is a hotly debated topic. While cats can kill native wildlife, they are beloved pets for many people. We advocate for responsible pet ownership to reduce their impact. This includes sterilising cats, keeping them inside at night (especially around dawn and dusk), and attaching a bell to their collar to reduce hunting success.
Getting started with backyard trapping
Tiakina Te Taitokerau is mainly focused on eradicating rats; although taking out a possum or two would not be discouraged. Rat trap starter kits are available to Whangārei residents for $10 from the Mens Shed in Railway Road. There’s a limit of two per household as they are sold below cost price. If you want to control other predators, please get in touch and we can discuss your needs.
Good question! Check out Mayor Sheryl Mai’s tips on how to do this, or see our resource explaining how to set your first trap.
No. Tiakina Te Taitokerau does not have the resources for this. We supply traps that humanely kill the predators, so you just need to dispose of them (please wear gloves when doing so).
Great! There are lots of ways to help our native wildlife. You could become a Community Lead and support a group of neighbours to trap, join an existing conservation project, or start your own trapping project in a local reserve. Contact us for advice and support.
This project aims to support conservation activities within urban cities. Other Northland Regional Council funded initiatives may support your mahi elsewhere. Please contact NRC to discuss your options.
Tools and resources
trap.nz is a free online tool and app that lets you join existing trapping projects or start your own. You can upload your traps onto a project map and record all your catches.
We strongly encourage you to join the Tiakina Whangārei project on trap.nz when you get your rat trap pack. This helps us see where traps are going and where more are needed.
Recording pest catches helps us measure the impact of our collective work. This information shows where trapping is working well and where extra effort is needed, helping to guide future action.
The data is used to monitor progress, identify hotspots, and support funding applications and planning for future pest control efforts. It helps ensure resources are being used where they’ll make the biggest difference.
Volunteering and community action
Trapping in reserves is encouraged as these areas often have large pest populations. You’ll need landowner approval – usually the Whangārei District Council. Contact us, and we’ll help you develop a trapping plan, get permission, and support you with resources and health and safety planning.
There are lots of ways to help! You could assist with pest plant removal, help with data entry on trap.nz, support community education, or take part in planting days. Get in touch to find an opportunity that suits you.
Latest resources
Removing pest plants
Invasive weeds are more than just garden pests—they pose a serious risk to our native plants and wildlife. That’s why Tiakina Te Taitokerau is working with urban communities to remove pest plants and restore our local environments.
Start backyard trapping
Learn how to set up your backyard rat trap, choose bait, and safely catch rodents while protecting birds and pets with a trap box.
Buy a backyard rat trap
Get a $10 rat trap in a sturdy box - available at selected markets or the NRC office. Limit 2 per household.