New Westport trapping programme supports predator free goal

West Coasters can contribute to New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goals by taking part in a short course in predator trapping methods being offered in Westport in September.

Developed by the Department of Conservation and Nelson-Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), Tai Poutini Polytechnic and the Buller District Council are teaming-up to bring the two-day workshop to the West Coast through the new West Coast Conservation Training and Employment Hub.

The workshop focuses on rats, stoats and possums, educating students about the problem these predators pose to native species. Learners get out in the field to learn how to effectively trap predators and covers technical work includes technical information and advice on creating and implementing an effective predator control plan.

Tutor and NMIT Conservation Field Skills Team Leader Becs Gibson says the training will be beneficial to those with a little or a lot of predator control experience.

“Predator trapping is a skill, and this training aims to hone those skills – whether you are a beginner or have years of experience in the field. Developing a predator control plan, based on best practice and understanding your target predator are key to saving our native species and creating an environment that provides us with far more opportunities by securing its diversity for the future.

“The training is hands-on and the learning is done by doing, with the added benefit of meeting other people who are involved in the same mahi,” she says.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Manager Teaching and Learning Peter O’Sullivan says the programme offers individuals and communities who wish to manage predators the opportunity to learn how to set up and monitor an effective control system.

“We’ve been able to bring the programme to Westport thanks to our partnership with NMIT under the Te Pūkenga network and our ongoing collaboration with the Department of Conservation and local council under the new Hub which focused on expanding the region’s green economy.” 

Details

Two-day workshop (field and classroom)
Conservation Training and Employment Hub
2a Coates Street, Westport
21-22 September 2022
Apply now at www.nmit.ac.nz/predator-trapping or phone 0800 800 411. 

Published 2 September 2022