Māori knowledge can help New Zealand get rid of predators but it mustn't be whitewashed | Tame Malcolm

Indigenous methods of tackling ecological problems were developed by dint of necessity - there is no better impetus for success

When I was taught how to trap possums, I was encouraged to combine the traditional knowledge of my Mori ancestors with modern technologies. An example of this is when the kawakawa plant bears fruit - the best lure to use is cinnamon. This is because the scents complement each other in the forest, to which the possums become attracted.

I assumed this was also the case when taught to use curry powder as a lure for when the hangehange flowers blossom. Instead, it was because wasps were very active at the time and I learned curry powder is one of the few lures to which wasps are not attracted; and no one wants to fiddle with traps covered in wasps!