What an incredible year we’ve had across our predator control network. The dedication, consistency, and sheer heart that each of you brings to this mahi is something truly special. 

Across the Restore Hibiscus & Bays Predator Network, our volunteers logged 13,537 records on Trap.NZ in 2025. 

That’s 2,170 more records than last year (11,367 in 2024). A giant leap that reflects not just more trapping activity, but stronger networks, better systems, and a community that is growing in confidence and capability. 

Our Top Volunteers of 2025 

A special shout-out to our top five trappers, whose dedication has been nothing short of exceptional: 

Kathy McCormack — 3,073 records 

• Bushglen Reserve, Bayside Drive Reserve & Northcross Intermediate. Kathy also takes students from Northcross Intermediate out to check traps — a fantastic example of youth engagement and community leadership. 

Max Oulton — 788 records 

• Waiwera 

Wade Alexander — 622 records 

• Various lines around Awaruku & Deep Creek 

Glenys Rule — 559 records 

• Penguin Drive Reserve 

John Underwood — 410 records 

• Various lines around Long Bay & Deep Creek 

Your consistency, skill, and dedication to serving your local communities and the environment have made a real and measurable difference. Thank you! 

On that note, a huge thank you to all our volunteers. Every trap check and every record you log makes a real difference. Please continue to log your catches on Trap.NZ, so we can better understand the full impact of your work and continue to improve our network for you. We appreciate you all. 

Starting with eight predator control volunteer groups in 2020, with a total of 321 catches. To 2025 with twenty-one predator control volunteer groups and a total of 4,164 catches. INCREDIBLE! 

Stand-Out Achievements in 2025 

Many of our lines had significant growth in volunteer activity and reporting: 

• Redvale Marginal Strip surged from 242 to 579 records. 

• Waiwera continues to be one of our strongest areas, with a notable increase from 669 to 879 records 

• Long Bay Regional Park also saw a significant increase, rising from 134 to 258 records. 

• Okura/Warman Rds Predator Trapping leapt from 290 to 1282 — one of the most impressive increases across the entire network. 

More Traps on the Ground, More Impact 

In 2025, we installed 371 new trap and bait stations (306 traps and 65 bait stations), compared to 171 in 2024. This represents a significant step forward and demonstrates the substantial growth our network has experienced in just one year. More stations mean better coverage, fewer gaps in our network, and stronger protection for the wildlife we’re all working to support. 

A Year Defined by Community, Persistence, and Care 

Every number in this report represents real action taken by real people. Early mornings, muddy boots, morning teas shared at the end of the line, teaching kids how to check traps safely, troubleshooting gear in the rain, and everything in between. 

This network is thriving because YOU show up. 

Thank you for being part of something bigger than yourself, for building safe spaces for wildlife, for supporting one another, and for defining what genuine community-led conservation is all about. 

Ngā mihi nui & congratulations on a phenomenal year.