New alpine trap line lies in wait for expected predators
By reporter Debbie Jamieson:
A new high alpine predator trap line is the final link in a 100km front protecting native wildlife between Wānaka and Glenorchy.
The installation of the 64 traps was also a symbolic joining of the Wānaka and Whakatipu basins in a bid to create the largest predator-free sanctuary on the New Zealand mainland.
Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust hub co-ordinator Tom Reeves led a team of five workers installing the traps across about 13km from the Cascade Saddle to the Rees Saddle last week.
The traps were dropped into 10 locations by Aspiring Helicopters before the team spent two nights in the mountains installing each trap.
Reeves said the construction of the trap line was a goal when the trust was formed in 2021.
Since then the umbrella organisation had brought together six local groups representing 84 community groups, landowners and businesses to work on its predator-free plans.
The highest installed trap on the line sat at 1835 metres, making it one of the higher trap lines in the country.
The traps targeted stoats, rats and other mustelids, and would actively help protect kea and rock wren in their natural habitat, he said.
Giant weta, alpine invertebrates and lizards would also benefit.
In summer, stoats would come over the mountain passes and re-invade valleys such as the West Matukituki, where long tailed bats and robins and kaka lived, he said.
The trap line also provided protection for the Rees Valley, where the Department of Conservation is hoping to establish a population of vulnerable takahe.
“We’ve put several hundred traps into the Rees already and this is all part of gearing up for that huge trans-relocation as well,” Reeves said.
The traps would be checked monthly, but not in winter due to snow and avalanche risk.
Maintaining the trap line would be a joint venture between the Matukituki Charitable Trust servicing the traps on the Wānaka side, and the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust responsible for the Glenorchy side.
The Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust was continuing to seek support from funders and volunteers to continue the work, he said.
“Otherwise a lot of those gains we’ve made over these last few years will disappear so we do need a lot of help.“
The trust’s 30-year goal is to create a 660,000-hectare area free of introduced pests where the indigenous fauna – including 35 endangered species – is able to thrive.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚒 Our Fire and Emergency crews have been kept busy lately
And they’re once again reminding everyone: please don’t light fires when it’s windy.
Central Otago will move into a restricted fire season from 1 December 2025, which means anyone planning an outdoor fire will need to apply for a permit and plan ahead.
So we’d love to ask you — how do you make sure you’re being fire-safe at this time of year?
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