Predator Free Cromwell ends 2025 on a High
The Predator Free Cromwell team wrapped up our final training session for the year with a full house - and a growing waitlist for 2026! Held at the stunning Calvert vineyard in Bannockburn, the evening brought together locals keen to learn, connect, and make a real difference for our native wildlife.
Interest in this session was so strong that every spot was snapped up fast. It’s a clear sign that our community is getting behind the Predator Free vision and seeing the impact we can make when we work together.
We were fortunate to have environmentalist and trapping expert Rob Franklin leading the workshop. Rob has a real gift for making the AT220 trap simple, safe, and easy to use. Participants left feeling confident: everyone saying they learned far more than they expected (even those who had used AT220 traps before), and they were excited to get out there and start trapping. A relaxed tour of the Calvert vineyard was an added highlight to end the evening.
But the best part? The results are showing.
Our trail camera and bait board data are already showing less predator activity in areas where AT220s from our trap library have been installed. When the evidence shifts this quickly, you know the mahi is working.
We’re also finding the AT220 is a game-changer for our community trappers.
It is New Zealand’s first multi-species, automatic self-resetting and self-re-luring trap,
it’s NAWAC-approved,
it’s proving a highly effective option for tackling possums, rats, and stoats, and
it’s ideal for people who want to help, but may not have time to reset traps daily.
Having tools like this in our community Trap Library is helping us create safer spaces for native birds, insects, lizards, and plants to thrive again.
An important part of the Predator Free Cromwell kaupapa is that we believe everyone should have the chance to contribute to this important environmental work. That’s why our training sessions are generally free for our community. We want to remove barriers so more people can gain skills, confidence, and connection.
Want to get involved in 2026?
With next year’s programmes - especially Trapping training sessions and Growing Kaitiakitanga - already attracting strong interest, now is the time to put your name down. Whether you’re completely new to trapping or looking to expand your skills, we’d love to have you join us.
Every trap, every volunteer, every new skill learned brings us one step closer to a predator-free Cromwell. Together, we’re restoring a safer, richer, and more resilient natural environment for generations to come.
Keen to join us in 2026? Click here to enquire about upcoming courses, pop a question our way, or add your name to the waitlist. You can also reach the team by email at predatorfreecromwell@gmail.com.
Enjoy a fantastic summer - and make sure you follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss a single update as we gear up for a big year ahead.