Friends in need for Bay Bush Action

Bay Bush Action has been swamped with offers of help after two hi-tech self-setting traps were stolen from islands off Paihia (Thefts on islands show even rat traps aren’t safe, April 11).

Offers included four A24 traps, worth close to $200 apiece, from Wellington-based manufacturer Goodnature, the same as those that were stolen from Motumaire and Motuarahi islands, off Paihia.

The traps, powered by a CO2 cylinder and programmed to reset themselves up to 24 times before the cylinder has to be replaced, had caught 267 rats on the tiny islands before they disappeared.

Goodnature field ranger Sam Gibson said he read the story about the theft and tracked down Bay Bush Action trustee Brad Windust to offer him four replacements.

“It’s really sad when community groups put time and money into doing the right thing, then other people take liberties with that,” Mr Gibson said.

“Brad’s story resonated with us, so we thought we’d better help him out.”

Four members of a Haruru Falls family also responded, each donating an A24 trap.