Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua – As people pass, the land remains.

Tu Taiao Tairāwhiti is a community-led backyard trapping project bringing native birds back to neighbourhoods across Gisborne. Started by Whāia Titirangi and Mahaki Mahinga Kai, it empowers whānau to protect taonga species like pīwakawaka, tūī, and kererū from predators such as rats.

By making trapping simple, safe, and accessible, we show how small actions at home can create big change. Every trap helps build a network of protection for our manu and ngahere.

More than pest control, Tu Taiao Tairāwhiti is about restoring nature, strengthening community, and reconnecting with te taiao—so future generations can enjoy a Tairāwhiti full of birdsong.

Tairāwhiti Environment Centre is funded by Haumanu Tū Ora to support the project through trap distribution, community engagement, and environmental education.

Join the movement. Set a trap. Protect manu.

Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Data & Trap.nz

Entering your trap data on Trap.NZ is one of the most important parts of backyard trapping because it shows the real impact of your efforts. 

Every time you record a catch, a bait refill, or a trap check, you help build a bigger picture of what is happening across Gisborne. It helps us see where pests like rats are active, where trapping is working well, and where more support is needed. 

Without data, it’s hard to know if we are making progress. With data, we can track results, celebrate successes, and make better decisions for protecting our native birds and wildlife. 

It also helps connect your backyard to the wider community effort. Even one trap in one garden makes a difference—and when everyone records their mahi, we can show the collective impact of whānau working together for Tairāwhiti. 

Simple records create powerful change. Trap it. Record it. Protect our manu. 

Our Process

  • Mice trap with peanut butter

    Get a Trap

    Option 1 – Borrow a Trap
    Borrow a rat, possum, stoat, or feral cat traps from Tairāwhiti Environment Centre for a $20 refundable bond, returned when the trap is brought back.

    Option 2 – Get a Free Urban Trap
    If you're trapping in an urban area, you may be eligible for a free Victor trap. Free traps are available while stocks last.

    Our knowledgeable staff can give you the low-down on everything you need to know to get trapping on your property, and do your bit to help our native plants and animals thrive. 

  • Phone with checkbox

    Register your Trap

    Add your trap to Trap.nz and join the “Tu Taiao Tairāwhiti” project so it becomes part of our region-wide network—helping us work towards one rat trap in every 5th backyard in Tairāwhiti.

  • Data curve

    Log your Catch

    Record every catch on Trap.nz to track progress, measure impact, and show the difference we’re making together.

  • two characters speaking witch each other

    Talk to your Neighbour

    Share the kaupapa and encourage others to join Trap.nz—because when every 5th backyard has a trap, we create a powerful network protecting our manu.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can purchase your own trap from online suppliers across Aotearoa:

  • Getting started is easy—borrow or buy a rat trap, register it on Trap.nz, place it safely in your backyard, and start logging your catches as you help protect our native manu.

  • Go to the Trap.nz website, click “Sign Up,” create your account with your email and password, then log in to start registering your trap and recording your catches.

    Follow those instructions.

  • Follow those instructions to find Tu Taiao Tairāwhiti

  • Visit the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre for hands-on guidance, or check out those online resources for step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively set your trap.