Predator Free Ōpāwaho is a project of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network.
Predator Free Ōpāwaho
Objective: To help bring back the birds by ridding the river of rats using traplines along both riverbanks of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River.
OHRN is establishing a trapline of appropriate rat traps along each riverbank of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River.
Where are traps placed?
OHRN places the traps as appropriate following monitoring of tracking tunnels to confirm the presence of rats. Where practical, traps are screened out of public sight.
Who owns the traps?
OHRN source, own and position the traps in appropriate parts of the riverbank or reserves so that there is consistency in the form and utilisation of the traps. OHRN will then assign the traps to volunteer trappers to check, reset and record results.
Want to help?
If you would like to volunteer to check & maintain traps near your home, or be involved in some other way, click the button below.
Types of traps
Because we are trapping in public spaces, we use a mix of T-Rex, D-Rat and Victor traps in wooden tunnels with mesh each end to prevent pets and children from being accidentally hurt. We also tether the traps to stakes so that they can’t be easily removed.
Training
OHRN organises training sessions for everyone involved in the traplines so that health & safety considerations are well-understood, and all trappers understand how to get the most out of their efforts.
Recording success
Trappers will be given training on how to record their trapping success on Trap.nz so that the project is a part of the Predator Free NZ success story.
Traps in your property
We encourage trappers to help keep the rat population going down around the river by setting up traps in tunnels in their own properties. If you would like to do this, we encourage you to be in contact with the group Predator Free Port Hills who will be able to help you obtain traps and tunnels for use on private property if you are within their zone south of the river. Otherwise, seek out a group trapping in your area by looking up projects on trap.nz.
If you are keen to be involved, click here to volunteer!
The project to date
The project is being rolled out in five stages. Stage 1 was implemented over the period 1 September – November 30, 2025.
Stage 1: Tunnel Road to Opawa Road – Rollout complete!
Stage 2: Opawa Road to Wilsons Road – during 2026
Stage 3: Wilsons Road to Colombo Street – late 2026
Stage 4: Colombo Street to Sparks Road – during 2027
Stage 5: Sparks Road to Nga Puna Wai – late 2027
Stage 1 Statistics
True Left: 49 tunnels – 48 single, 4 double – 56 traps
True Right: 55 tunnels – 48 single, 7 double – 62 traps
Total: 107 tunnels – 96 single, 11 double – 118 traps
At 30 April, 2026, the catch since 1 September 2025 has been:
Hedgehog 5 Mouse 118 Rat 150 Weasel 4 Total 277
