Members of the Predator Free Miramar pest control group handing out traps. Wellington hopes to be free of stoats, rats and weasels by 2050. — Photos: Predator Free Miramar/dpa
New Zealand’s government has announced an ambitious plan to make the whole country free of pests like rats, stoats and weasels by 2050. Meanwhile grassroots community eradication groups are taking matters into their own hands.
“Trapping” is fast becoming a cool activity in Wellington, and it’s not just the grey-haired, sandal-wearing conservation fringe setting elaborate traps in their backyards – it’s hipsters, families, retirees and everyone in between.
