Auckland Council and its partners have been working closely with landowners and residents on an operation to restore the extensive native forest on Kawau Island. The forest is under threat due to the presence of introduced wallabies and possums that browse on seedlings and plants, destroying potential habitats and food sources for indigenous species.
Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island is a ground-based operation to remove wallabies and possums and is primarily being carried out by hunters using trained indicator dogs and thermal drones.
After years of planning and preparation, the project began in early May 2025, with hunting operations beginning at the southern end of the island, targeting pest populations in that area before moving to the northern side.
Targeted toxins (including 1080 and Feratox) will soon be used alongside hunting methods in areas where monitoring has revealed a high number of wallabies and possums.
The targeted applications of toxins will begin from Tuesday 15 July dependent on the weather and ground conditions and in accordance with strict permit conditions.
Read more about pest eradication on Kawau Island, and all relevant information including treatment areas on Kawau Island. |
Important information
- Safety is of utmost importance to us. Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island is underpinned by strict public health conditions from the National Public Health Service – Northern Region Auckland and robust health and safety precautions will be undertaken.
- However, 1080 and Feratox are deadly toxins when ingested – anyone visiting Kawau Island must follow warning signage, ensure that children stay out of areas where bait is laid, and people must not touch or eat the toxic baits. Anyone who consumes any of the toxic baits should call 111 immediately and contact the Poisons Centre for advice while awaiting an ambulance.
- Dogs are highly susceptible to 1080 poisoning if they consume baits or scavenge carcasses.
- Dogs are only highly susceptible to Feratox poisoning if they consume the baits directly, but the risk of secondary poisoning is very low.
- To keep dogs safe, visitors should avoid taking dogs to the island during the operational period. For residents, keep your dog on a leash and closely supervise at all times. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, induce vomiting and immediately go to a vet.
- We have been working with Warkworth Vets, and the team are ready to treat any dogs brought in, if needed. Muzzles and emetic medication are available from Warkworth Vets for landowners and residents of Kawau Island, free of charge.
- Uneaten bait will be removed of deployment, however secondary poisoning remains a risk for dogs during the six-month caution period.
- Signage will remain during this time, and we require that all visitors to the island obey all instructions from the council and its teams during this time.
For more information on the Kawau Island restoration project, including FAQs and further factsheets, please visit our website or phone us on 09 301 0101. To support this project and ongoing conservation efforts, visit New Zealand Nature Fund.
