A growing ‘buddy system’ in the Waima-Laingholm area is helping locals protect one of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable reptiles – the forest gecko – by turning backyard trapping into a shared neighbourhood effort.
Run by local conservation group, Waima to Laingholm Pest Free, the volunteer-led initiative pairs people new to trapping with experienced neighbours who can show them the ropes. It’s an approach that’s proving effective not just for pest control, but for building stronger, more connected communities.
“It’s really about neighbours helping neighbours,” says chairperson, Neil Dingle. “And by supporting each other, more people feel confident to start trapping. Every rat or possum we remove helps make our backyards safer for a whole range of important and at-risk species, including the forest gecko.
Since forming in 2017, the group has established around 300 registered trappers across local properties along with public lines that create a ‘virtual fence’ around the Waima-Laingholm area to keep pests from moving back in.
With pest numbers being caught on public lines now significantly reduced, it makes sense to shift attention to adjoining private backyards, says Neil.
“We want to normalise trapping as something everyday people do, just like recycling or composting.
“There’s this idea that Predator Free 2050 means someone’s going to come in and make it happen.
“But it doesn’t work like that. It’s not a top-down project. It’s thousands of small actions that add up. Every trap set, every cat kept in at night, every neighbour who joins in makes a difference,” he says.
Here’s how the trapping network works in practice.
- Locals sign up via the website to receive a discounted or donated trap.
- It can be picked up or a nearby volunteer or ‘buddy’ delivers it, demonstrates how to use it safely and provides tips for pet-friendly placement.
- WhatsApp groups, newsletters and Facebook keep neighbours connected and supported with ongoing advice and encouragement.
Though trapping remains a key focus, Neil points out that you don’t have to trap to play a part in protecting local wildlife.
“Creating a safe, well-planted backyard can provide the perfect refuge for geckos, insects and birds,” he says.
Although formal monitoring only began this year due to limited resources, community members and volunteers have reported increasing sightings of forest gecko, an early sign that the efforts are paying off.
Waima to Laingholm Pest Free is one of more than 30 groups contributing to the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance, a community-led network of around 4,000 volunteers restoring native biodiversity across West Auckland.
How you can help
- Join or start backyard trapping in your neighbourhood.
- Keep cats indoors at night and dogs under control near native bush.
- Plant native shrubs to create safe habitats for forest gecko.
- Follow kauri dieback hygiene protocols when visiting local reserves.
- Reset and maintain traps regularly to reduce reinfestation.
Get involved
- Sign up or learn more at w2l.nz
- Connect with other conservation groups at pfwra.org.nz/find-your-people