Bush Creek

Once quiet, Bush Creek is now coming back to life with birdsong — and the numbers back it up.

Tucked behind Arrowtown, Bush Creek is fast becoming a local success story in predator control. Thanks to funding and support from The Hills, we now have close to 100 high-tech AT220 traps with remote monitoring capability working across the area. Together, these traps have removed over 4,500 introduced predators — including more than 2,500 possums.

The project links in with wider regional efforts, connecting to work led by Whakatipu Wildlife Trust / Predator Free Arrowtown and to our Coronet trap network, forming an increasingly powerful line of defence for native wildlife.

From problem to progress

When trapping first began, the area was heavily infested. WaxTag monitoring showed possum activity at 56%, an alarmingly high figure. But recent checks show a consistent drop to just 17%, with no possum chews detected on the upper trap lines — areas that also happen to be biodiversity hotspots.

As catch numbers have dropped, we’ve taken the opportunity to scale out, expanding the project into Sawpit Gully and Big Hill, extending protection even further across the landscape.

Nature is bouncing back

One of the clearest signs of progress has been the return of native birdlife. Our field teams report a real lift in sightings of pīwakawaka (fantail) and tītitipounamu (rifleman) — Aotearoa’s smallest bird. These sensitive species are early indicators of a healthier ecosystem, and their growing presence is reason to be hopeful.

A shared commitment

This work simply wouldn’t be possible without The Hills, whose funding kickstarted the Bush Creek project and continues to support its growth. Their commitment to local conservation is helping create real, tangible change in the landscape — and we’re proud to have them as a key partner on this journey.

Bush Creek is a shining example of what can happen when technology, teamwork, and community come together to give nature a fighting chance.

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