Lake Tarawera was one of the first places in New Zealand to set up a community controlled rat eradication program (set up with the help of the then E.B.O.P.; now called Regional Council). This was initiated in year 2000 by some committed locals who were concerned about the number of rats seen running around and causing damage to properties. With local man, Bob Scopes, at the program's helm its been an outstanding success, particularly as there was & is a noticeable increase in our a legendary bird-life. Sadly Bob passed away in November 2012 and is sorely missed in the community. With the community keen to continue his hard work a committee was formed. We now have 500 bait stations mounted on 85% of the properties and have 50 volunteers who have runs monitoring and replenishing  the bait stations all year. We do encourage our residents to have their own bait stations or traps. The following information will be helpful to all who are involved in this, and who live in this beautiful area.