Rotorua locals learn more about trapping at Eastside Predator Free Trapping Workshop

There was plenty of concentration and learning happening at Hannahs Bay Reserve last weekend as families learnt about trapping.

An Eastside Predator Free Trapping Workshop was held last Sunday.

The event included people learning about how to build their own trap and how to monitor and trap in their own backyard.

People also had the opportunity to set traps through the Hannahs Bay wetland and reserve with one of the head trappers.

There were also giveaways throughout the day and a free sausage sizzle for people to enjoy.

The Eastside Predator Free project was started by the Tatau Pounamu Collective.

Te Pae Akurangi-Fitzell, Tatau Pounamu collective Pou Ao, says the predator trapping workshop was a great success.

"We had lots of families come through with their children which is great and our community seems really keen to be a part of this project."

George McGregor, 6, stands proudly with the trap he learnt how to make. Photo / Ben Fraser

She says some highlights were seeing parents interacting with their children outside in nature and really spending quality time with them.

"It was also great to meet so many enthusiastic, local young people who want to look after our natural environment for the future generations to come, in particular a young aspiring environmental scientist."

She says between 150 and 200 people attended, and 67 people registered on the day to become "kaitiaki", with all of those people leaving their details so they can continue to be involved.

"Around 25 people helped us to set the traps on the day. Many cannot wait to see the progress of our trapping.

"There was a great family vibe down at Hannahs Bay on the weekend with the water ski event and The Hits Beach Dig, all in one place. It was really buzzing with family-friendly activity."

Rotorua's Faith McGregor says her family went along to the event because her son James McGregor, 10, asked to go after a talk was held at Lynmore School.

"He brought us all along."

She thinks it is great to get children interested in conservation and understanding what it takes to protect the environment.

James says he had fun learning how to build his own trap.

"I enjoy knowing that it's going to be used to catch pests that kill our native animals and plants."

He says the trap was pretty easy to make and he thinks he would be able to make more.