IMPACT STORIES: COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Qualitative evaluation – Most Significant Change
To better understand the impact of the Te Motu Kairangi, Miramar Peninsula project at a deeper level, Predator Free Wellington is capturing stories from residents, volunteers, staff and key stakeholders about changes that may have resulted from involvement in our predator free project on the Miramar Peninsula. We are using a technique called Most Significant Change, which is a participatory form of monitoring and evaluation that measures intangible qualitative indicators.
The story below focuses on friendship and community connection, revealing how volunteer trapping can foster resilience and deep relationships. This aspect of change is particularly profound and was an unexpecected outcome. The story highlights the importance of building kinship, especially among men who can often struggle with forming such connections. We also could relate to trapping as hobby!
Impact theme: Connectivity of people and friendships
First person story from a Predator Free Miramar volunteer, November 2024.
I started trapping back in 2010, first with Te Motu Kairangi and then also with Polhill Reserve, this was in the very early stages of trapping. Miramar Peninsula was already possum free, and a mate and I were having conversations about how easy it could be to get rid of rats.
Trapping became my hobby, it was a cool focus and something I could do to make a difference. In 2016 we began setting up Predator Free Miramar.
The most significant change for me is about the connectivity of the people and the friendships I’ve formed.
Before trapping and being involved with Predator Free Miramar, my community was a lot narrower. There were people I knew in my neighbourhood, but mostly my community consisted of the direct neighbours over the fence or pre-existing friends from university or sports.
Trapping has been a conduit to meeting a much broader and bigger group of people. Now I know hundreds of people, many of whom I regard as friends.
The change happened gradually. In the first couple of years, I was literally leaving traps on residents’ doorsteps and explaining what Predator Free Miramar is about. But post-COVID, we started doing trapping as a group every weekend. This was when the majority of rats had been removed from the peninsula, and we started working more strategically alongside Predator Free Wellington as a partner.
This kickstarted Predator Free Miramar to a whole ‘nother level. It facilitated greater face-to-face connections; our volunteers would meet up each week, we became more focused on the mission, and we had a common purpose.
It’s funny to be talking about new friends when you’re 51; I didn’t actively set out to do it. Predator Free is the forum that allows us to connect. It’s a rewarding, warm, fuzzy feeling to know that you have a circle of people who value what we’re doing, who are there at the end of the phone if you need anything, and who are always keen to share a joke.
I think there is a link between having regular connections with good friends and health and wellbeing. It’s not something that’s talked about a lot, but generally, males prefer talking shoulder to shoulder rather than face to face. When you’re out going for a walk whilst trapping, it’s easier to talk about stuff, whatever that stuff is. It’s not that we need to unload, but simply knowing that on a Sunday you get exercise, fresh air, and get to be with good people is a good thing for your wellbeing. The simple action of doing that lets you feel connected to people, and it helps. It’s good health-wise and it’s good for mental health.
This ‘people change’ was unexpected for me and it certainly wasn’t the reason why I got involved in the first place. I just thought trapping would be fun. It was nice to have a project and tick something off. I liked the idea of the simplicity of the task. Take a trap, kill a rat, help a bird. Basic level stuff.
I am stoked that this has been an unexpected outcome of the work. I’ve surprised myself by choosing this as the most significant change for me, but it’s not always easy to make new friends when you’re getting older.
The Japanese have a word – ikigai - that refers to your holistic health and how having a bigger purpose, a reason for getting out of bed, and being active can promote a longer, healthier life. Trapping and being involved with Predator Free Miramar provides that reason, the connection to people and a sense of purpose in life.
It’s heartening to know you have a community built around this common goal that you value strongly. It’s a really solid foundation in life.
Posted: 15 November 2024