Tech Updates & Tasty Treats
Our most recent community event was both informative and enjoyable, thanks to an engaging update from Hadyn Steel of NZ AutoTraps. Hadyn introduced us to the latest traps from NZ AutoTraps, showcasing some impressive new technology.
We’re thrilled to have 75 AT220 traps now hard at work in Tamahere—a significant increase in trap coverage over the past two years, all thanks to your support. The AT230, featuring a cat microchip detector, adds an extra layer of protection for our feline friends, which many of you appreciate.
Hadyn Steel captivating the audience with his new tech update! Image Credit: A Ewing
And the brand new AT520-AI is a real game changer for managing large, challenging landscapes. This innovative, multi-species resetting trap takes pest control to the next level with its AI-enabled technology, including a camera for real-time species identification. It’s designed to engage only with target species, protecting native and non-target animals. The AI image processing allows the trap to activate, dispense varying lures, or deactivate based on the approaching animal or bird. It’s NAWAC-approved for possums and ship rats and also catches other rats, mice, feral cats, and mustelids like stoats, ferrets, and weasels.
Solar-powered, even under a bush canopy, the AT520-AI connects with other traps via Yarn Mesh technology, enabling remote monitoring. This significantly reduces the need for maintenance visits, with remote alerts for lure replacement and any required servicing. If you missed our event, check out this video of the traps in action in remote parts of the South Island AT520-AI With Phil from Southern Lakes Sanctuary It’s amazing!
And of course, we enjoyed another of Robyn Richardson’s fantastic cakes—this time celebrating our community’s milestone of catching 6,000 pests. The cake featured a pile of rats crafted from Afghan biscuit dough, icing, and marshmallow tails on a massive chocolate base. It was as impressive to look at as it was to eat!
Celebrating 6,000 pests caught with Robyn's amazing rat-themed cake—delicious and a true work of art! Image Credit: A Ewing
A big thank you to Hadyn for the insightful presentation and to Robyn for her creative and tasty contributions. Here’s to taking our pest control efforts to the next level with better tools and more reasons to celebrate!
