In 2008 the branch started one of the first biodiversity trap lines in the Wakatipu basin — 78 DOC 200 box traps up the Steele Creek valley and along the Mid Greenstone, to knock back stoats, rats and mice so whio (blue duck) could re-establish in Steele Creek.
In 2022 the line became a trial site for AI trap technology, working with YarnMesh and FTP. The branch has since rebuilt the line with 12 AT520 AI-enabled traps — the first group approved to run them on public conservation land. Members make a two-day round trip to check and manage the line, and every result goes into Traps.nz.
Grants from Queenstown Lakes District Council funded the refurbishment in 2022 and 2023.
By the numbers
Running since 2008
78 DOC 200 traps originally; 12 AT520 AI traps now
Two-day round trip to check the line
First group approved to use AI traps on public conservation land
Lend a hand
It's real work in real country, and we're always after a hand. If you can carry a pack, check a trap, or just want to learn the country, get in touch.