FOB

Friends of the Blade

Friends of the Blade are an all-volunteer community care group operating under a community agreement with the Department of Conservation (DOC). 

ABOVE: Friends Of The Blade volunteers prepare to install new traps on their boundary

Our mission is to establish a pest-free zone around the Pā Kererū Loop Walk and Ngāmarama Tracks, located at the end of Whakamārama Road in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.

Currently, our dedicated team comprises over 40 volunteers who diligently monitor our 23 trap lines every fortnight. These traps, which specifically target possums, rats, mice, mustelids, and other introduced species, are DOC approved instant kill devices that adhere to National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee standards. It’s important to note that we exclusively use non-toxic lures in our efforts.

The area we cover, once extensively logged in the first half of the 20th century, spans 300 hectares. Whenever possible, our volunteers work to expand this area by marking out and cutting new trap lines.

Using modern technology to work smarter, not harder

In 2023 we were able to secure funding from various sources to establish a “virtual fence” of AT220 auto-resetting traps around the perimeter of the area that we trap. They have exceeded our expectations in terms of stopping pest re-incursion from the surrounding forest. The auto traps are doing a fantastic job of catching most pests at the border without the need for constant checking and re-setting. 

The impact of installing these devices means rat numbers have significantly lowered, and we have virtually eliminated possums from the 300ha area. 

The 23 interior traplines are still regularly checked and re-baited by our volunteers, but now an internal trap line will often have less than two catches across 20-30 traps per fortnight.

Get involved!

We are very keen to welcome new members to the group of volunteers. Find out more here. You can check out our calendar to see upcoming events, contact us using the contact form, or look at our volunteer resources page. There you will find heaps of helpful tips and information.