Possum Busters

Hutt City residents are taking action to protect what is considered some of the regions finest and most valued native bush assets.

The Possum Busters program has been successfully running for 5 years. Since the establishment of the programme some 230 traps have been issued to Hutt City residents who live next to or near areas of possum infestation. Possum Busters can be found in Stokes Valley, Western Hills, Eastbourne, Wainuiomata, Naenae, Taita and Central Lower Hutt.

Council puts a lot of effort into protecting and enhancing the cities natural environment. The Council run possum Busters programme has a strong impact towards reducing the number of possums which are considered a nation wide conservation pest responsible for the decimation of localised stands of trees and more importantly the overall change in structure and composition of native New Zealand forests.

Who you gonna call?

How to join Possum Busters

If you would like to make a difference to ensure sustainability and health of Hutt Cities spectacular native bush assets, phone Shelley Donoghue at Parks & Gardens (570 6702, or mobile 027 436 3210). You will be provided with a Timms trap. This trap is recognised as one of the most affective and humane types of possum kill traps available. A quick demonstration will be provided on how to use the trap and advise on how to dispose of the possums. There is a $30 refundable deposit for the trap, which means that when ever you give the trap back, you get your money back.

Hutt City residents should be very proud of the effects generated from the possum busters programme. Council has received numerous reports of increased sightings of local native flora and fauna. Bellbirds (of Hutt Valley dialect) were reliably reported at Oakleigh St and Mawson St this year. The extensive flowering of northern rata in December along the eastern hills, the flowering of large deciduous native tree fuchsia and the hillsides of beautiful undamaged tree ferns throughout the Western hill suburbs indicate that possum populations are being controlled to low numbers.

As well as organising the local residential possum busters programme, Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council contract commercial possum control. Funded 50:50 between the two authorities possum control is currently underway in the Parkway Bush Reserve in Wainuiomata, East Harbour regional Park, the Wainuiomata catchment and Speedys Stream on the Western Hills.

This year a new possum control programme will start in the bush areas from Belmont to Korokoro in the Western Hills.

Volunteers are an essential resource in the fight against mammalian pests in the Hutt City. Council relies strongly on help from enthusiastic volunteers to check possum bait stations. Council is always on the look out for more volunteers to join the possum busters programme.