Here at One Network Wellington Live, we’re excited to share an incredible story of dedication from Predator Free Wellington. Between June 2021 and February 2025, a single field operator made a huge impact in the fight to protect our native wildlife across Pōneke. This effort is captured in a detailed map, showing the extensive work carried out in areas like Miramar Peninsula and beyond. The numbers speak for themselves: 10,991 bait stations checked, 6,344 traps inspected, 1,069 cameras cleared, 214 chew card detections, 225 rat bait detections, and 64 rats caught. This map, shared by Predator Free Wellington, highlights the scale of this individual’s contribution to making Wellington a safer place for our birds, lizards, and other native species.
The map itself is a visual story of hard work. It covers a wide area of Wellington, with yellow dots marking bait stations, blue dots indicating traps, and red dots showing where rats were caught. Green triangles and letters like “A,” “AM,” or “J” represent chew card and bait detections, providing clues about rat activity. The bait stations are set on a 50m by 50m grid, ensuring thorough coverage, while traps are placed on a 100m grid. This careful layout helps ensure no part of the area is left unchecked, targeting rats that threaten our wildlife.
Each day, the field operator begins early, heading out to inspect the bait stations and traps scattered across the city. The yellow dots, numbering 10,991 checks, show where toxic bait has been monitored. This bait is the key to removing the majority of rats, working quietly to reduce the predator population. The operator also checks the 6,344 traps, marked by blue dots, where 64 rats were caught over the years. These traps are a vital part of the effort, offering a direct way to remove rats and protect native species like kākā and tūī.
The green triangles and letters on the map highlight additional detections. Chew cards, marked with an “A” or similar, are small pieces of card baited to attract rats. Bite marks on these cards signal rat presence, guiding where extra attention is needed. The 214 chew card detections and 225 rat bait detections show how the operator tracks and responds to rat activity. The 1,069 camera checks add another layer, with cameras set up to photograph wildlife and predators, helping the team assess the situation and ensure the equipment is working.
This work takes the operator across Wellington, from the bushy hills to the coastal areas near the airport. They walk through parks, navigate gardens, and sometimes battle muddy paths after a storm—tasks made possible with the support of the Wellington community. Behind each dot on the map is a homeowner or business owner who has allowed Predator Free Wellington to set up stations on their land. This partnership is essential, with thousands of Wellingtonians opening their doors and sharing their reasons for joining the cause—whether it’s the sight of a tūī in their garden or the hope of seeing kiwi one day.
The effort isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact. The 10,991 bait station checks, 6,344 trap inspections, and 64 rats caught bring Wellington closer to being predator-free. Cameras cleared 1,069 times help monitor progress, offering glimpses of the wildlife the team aims to protect. This work ensures our native species have a better chance to thrive, with fewer rats preying on eggs or chasing skinks. The map shows a city-wide effort, with no area overlooked, reflecting the operator’s commitment and the community’s support.
Predator Free Wellington relies heavily on this community backing. Locals have volunteered, donated, and offered encouragement, making the operator’s job easier. If you’re inspired by this work, you can get involved too. Visit www.pfw.org.nz/support-us to learn how to help, whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. Every contribution counts toward a predator-free Pōneke.
The map is a testament to what one person can achieve. With 10,991 bait stations checked, 6,344 traps inspected, 1,069 cameras cleared, and 64 rats caught, this field operator has covered vast ground. They’ve walked countless kilometres, checked every station and trap with care, and used detections to guide their efforts. While more work remains—rats still hide in bushes and backyards—the progress is clear. With the support of Wellingtonians and the Predator Free Wellington team, the goal of a predator-free city is within reach.
Next time you walk through Miramar or along the coast, look at the landscape and think of the dots on this map. They represent the effort to check bait stations in the rain, set traps at dawn, and build a future where our wildlife can flourish. At One Network Wellington Live, we’re proud to share this story of hard work and hope. Let’s continue supporting Predator Free Wellington and celebrating the dedication that brings us closer to a predator-free Wellington, where our birds sing freely and our native creatures thrive.