ALL THE INFO YOU NEED
Bait Station Filling
June 2026
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Over the last few years, we have added an extensive network of bait stations on Karioi (public and private land) to support our trapping efforts and enhance biodiversity by bringing back populations of local seabirds and forest birds.
Volunteers are a key part of this work and as a result, some significant conservation gains have been made with seabird / ōi chicks fledging again. Despite this huge community effort, we must continuously reduce rat and possum populations to achieve long-term conservation outcomes.
Intensive predator control will greatly enhance biodiversity, improve forest health and specifically benefit resident forest bird populations of the bellbird, kāka, tomtits, tūī, kererū, pekapeka and ruru.
Please read to the bottom of the page
Where to meet: 754 Te Hutewai Rd (the Red-Brown Barn)
When: 8 am
This will give you time to pack your bag, pick up toxins, map and gear and get acquainted with the day's proceedings. You may even have a cuppa.
We’ll begin the health and safety briefing at 8.30 am, and depart shortly after.
Health and Safety
Emergency contacts - please save the following numbers in your phone.
Kristel (Project manager) 027 427 6242
Jasmine (Volunteers coordinator) 021 732 378
Isabelle (Ops) 021 175 6708
Your main H&S check-in contact!
The H&S check-in person will be Tim.
His number is 021 116 0120.
Please add him as a contact.
On the day, please text the H&S check-in person above when you finish each of your lines. Please also text them when you are safely back at the Red Barn/completely done.
If you encounter trouble and need assistance on the day, this is also the person to contact.
There’s more… keep reading…
Handling Toxins
We are deploying a toxin called Double Tap this time. We are also handling bait stations that have held various toxins and been exposed to rats and possums.
Therefore, you should:
Use gloves.
Bring a wet cloth & soap to wash your hands before eating.
Read the info specific to Double Tap.
Weather Forecast
Check the weather forecast to determine how best to prepare for the day. Scroll this one for a 5-day forecast.
There’s more… keep reading…
Gear List
We have some of these items to share - so ask if you don’t have the right gear.
Food and water for the day
Pack: 40 - 60L - this is bigger than a typical school bag!
Spare warm layers and a jacket for wet weather
Good tramping boots or trail running shoes - the terrain can get rough and slippery.
First aid kit
Phone - fully charged, with Trap.nz app downloaded (see below)
Power bank if your phone battery isn’t amazing- TrapNZ chews up the battery!
No 2 square head screwdriver
Gloves
Secateurs - for a spot of track maintenance!
There’s more… keep reading…
Trap.NZ
Please do this ASAP (well before Deploy Day). This will ensure you have full access to the ‘Karioi Project - Bait Lines’ project on Trap.nz.
Are you new to trap.nz?
2. Download the mobile app
On your phone, download the app.
Log into your account in the app.
EVERYONE, do this:
* The lines are often updated, so even if you’ve done this before - please do it again - to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
In the app, in ‘Karioi Project - Bait Lines’, click Menu (the 3 lines in the top right corner.)
Map Settings - change “Max tileset size” from 100 to 500. Set limit.
Refresh map tiles (at the top)
Tap the back arrow in the top left corner.
Go to My Projects - Karioi Project- Bait Lines
Zoom in to ensure you can not only see colourful lines (left image below), but individual bait stations icons & codes (right image below).
Lastly, add bait types to your app!
Everyone needs to add these ‘bait types’ to the trapNZ app.
Click on any triangle (bait station symbol)
Click the cog icon under Service/Bait Type
Click on “Add” (at the bottom)
Add the info for both the “Non-toxic Pre-feed” and the “Double Tap” as shown in the following image.
Note: check your app even if you’ve deployed this before - ensure all info is accurate (especially the “Max fill” amount!)
Let us know ASAP if you are having problems with TrapNZ. It’s a must-have tool!
There’s more… keep reading…
At the end of the day…
Return any gear/bait/rubbish to the Red Barn - labelled bins will be available. Please keep any extra, new toxins separate from old, mouldy bait you’ve removed (if any).
Text the H&S extraordinaire to say you’re done.
Wash your hands and have a cuppa.
You are now free to go - thank you so much for your help!!
PS - Is this your first time?
Here are short videos about what to expect.
You made it to the end
Thank you - you’re amazing!