Public Trapline Audit

18th September 2025

Public Trapline Audit & Launch Update – September 2025

Our Public Trapline Coordinator, Keith Scarlett has completed an audit of 24 out of 25 community traplines across Cambridge.

Key Findings

Volunteers: 66 people are actively involved, with some supporting more than one line. Five traplines currently have no dedicated volunteers.
Traplines: Together, the public lines cover 23 km, with 270 tunnel boxes and over 400 traps of various types.
Community Involvement: Volunteers range in age from secondary students to retirees, bringing a wide mix of skills and experience.
Challenges Identified:
- Need for clearer tracks and safer access in some areas.
- Trap calibration and placement training required.
- Maintenance systems could be improved by having two repair points on either side of the Waikato River.
- Safer alternatives needed for current bait storage.
Land: Much of the area is Council-owned, with invasive weeds (blackberry, wandering due, privet, ivy, gorse) presenting challenges.

Highlights

Strong enthusiasm for the creation of the Aroha Cambridge Charitable Trust.
Launch of the new ‘Bait Bar’ initiative, with suggestions for safer materials.
Broad community skills engaged, including professionals such as doctors, lawyers, geologists, and web designers alongside students and retirees.

Aroha Cambridge is excited about the momentum and looks forward to building on this strong volunteer base to restore and protect our local environment.

*Aroha Cambridge is pleased to announce that restoration of a centrally located shed is now underway. This shed will become the storage headquarters and a lockable ‘bait bar’ will be available soon.