Automatic traps to be installed above Lake Ōhau
The Ōhau Conservation Trust is installing automated traps around Mackenzie’s Lake Ōhau Basin to target possums, stoats and rats, thanks in part to our Waitaha Action to Impact (WAI) Fund.
The volunteer group has undertaken predator control in the region since 2017 as part of its conservation mahi of 20 years protecting and restoring the area’s special natural environment – and promoting awareness of it.
They received nearly $13,000 in the WAI Fund’s 2024/2025 funding round to automate predator trapping in difficult to access places up on the hills. The traps don’t require clearing and can be checked as infrequently as three times a year.
With limited volunteers, their efforts can now focus on installing more traps in more accessible areas, meaning residents, visitors and school students can contribute and participate.
Their work protects the lake shore’s biodiversity, specifically encouraging the growth of pikirangi/native mistletoe in beech forest.
Predator control protects the natural environment
Vivienne Smith-Campbell, Ōhau Conservation Trust chairperson, has lived in Lake Ōhau for 10 years. A career in conservation and an active outdoor lifestyle ties her to the natural environment.
"We’ve got beautiful lakes surrounded by mountains, natural environments like the bush, the grasslands – it’s just an incredible place to live," she said.
"We’re hoping our work releases some of the pressure our environment is under from these critters. We want to see the pikirangi bounce back – it used to be common in beech forests throughout Aotearoa, but you just don’t get it anymore because of the possums."
Possums eat pikirangi foliage, while other introduced species like stoats and rats target bellbirds – pollinators of the native flowering plant. Together they pose a significant threat to survival and reproduction of mistletoe.
Volunteer Leon with a successful trap
The Trust's aspirations align with several of our Long-Term Plan priorities, like "taking decisive action for healthy fresh water, land, coastal ecosystems and air quality", and "promoting sustainable and healthy living and working environments".
Smith-Campbell is excited about engaging those who visit to ride the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, as well as schools frequenting Lake Middleton Camping Ground which gives access to both Lake Middleton and Lake Ōhau.
"Our traps along the southern shore of the lake will be highly visible to those who use the tracks along both these lakes," she said.
"We’d really like to capitalise on having these people in our backyard to grow and support predator control and the special natural ecosystems we are working to protect."
About the Ōhau Conservation Trust
The Ōhau Conservation Trust was founded in 2004 with an aim to promote awareness of the area’s unique biodiversity and to undertake projects to protect, restore and enhance it.
They have many supporters who volunteer their time and effort to remove wilding pines, plant native plants to enhance biodiversity and habitats, and participate in pest control through trapping.
About the Waitaha Action to Impact Fund
The Waitaha Action to Impact Fund (WAI Fund) is a contestable fund to support community organisations to deliver projects that align with our work and priorities.
It has contributed more than $1.1 million to community organisations since its inception in 2021, helping deliver tangible outcomes for our environment.
The work of Waitaha community groups in the environmental space is an inspiration. They show what can be achieved if they put their minds to it. We are proud to work with so many great community groups across Waitaha.
Applications for the 2024/25 year closed on 2 September 2024. Find out more about other projects funded by the Waitaha Action to Impact Fund.
Applications for the 2025/26 funding round are expected to open later this year.