Fulton Hogan's Innovative Trapping Pilot

Photo: Alison Ewing & Fulton Hogan’s Roadside Trap Installation

Fulton Hogan's Waikato NOC (Network Outcomes Contract) team is collaborating with us on a six-month trapping pilot program along a 'predator corridor' on the Waikato Expressway. The trial aims to control stoats, ferrets, weasels, rats, and possums near the Mangaharakeke Stream under the new Hamilton Bypass—a significant gully area for native wildlife, including endangered long-tailed bats.

The trial involves two types of traps: the manually cleared DOC 200 and the NZautotraps AT220, an automatic resetting possum and rat trap.

Excitingly, Simon Dyne, Fulton Hogan’s Chief Operating Officer for Infrastructure, says they are planning a second trapping pilot on the South Island's West Coast, with potential nationwide expansion if successful.

We truly appreciate Waka Kotahi and Fulton Hogan’s involvement, especially since this pilot enables us to place traps in gully areas otherwise inaccessible to the public and our volunteers. Stay tuned for updates on the pilot's progress!