Auckland Council begins its latest predator control operation in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges Regional Park tomorrow.
The operation will cover Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges parkland, neighbouring Department of Conservation (DOC) administered land reserves, and some private land.
The operational team will carry out the first stage of the project, laying pre-feed, on Thursday 14 August and Friday 15 August. The park will be closed to the public from Wednesday evening (13 August) until midday Friday (15 August).
The operation is part of a long-term conservation strategy to protect endangered species such as kōkako and preserve the ecological integrity of one of the region’s largest remaining tracts of native forest. The aerial operation of non-toxic pre-feed bait will be spread across the roughly 23,500-hectare operational area. This will be followed by the application of baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) a proven method of controlling possums, rats and stoats across large, forested areas. The operation aims to reduce populations of introduced predators that threaten native birds, plants, and ecosystems.
To manage the large area and protect water-supply reservoirs, the operational areas will be divided into two blocks:
- Cossey and Mangatangi
- Wairoa and Mangatāwhiri.
Building on past successes
Auckland Council's General Manager Parks for Community Facilities Taryn Crewe says the work builds on past successful operations and will continue to ensure the native wildlife residing in the parkland can flourish.
“The Hūnua Ranges Regional Park is the largest area of native forest in Tāmaki Makaurau. We know how much Aucklanders value this land and the many important native species including kōkako who reside there,” says Ms Crewe.
“It’s our responsibility, together with the Department of Conservation, iwi partners, community groups, and volunteers, to protect these species from introduced predators and diseases. We’ve seen significant gains in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges with many of our threatened wildlife beginning to thrive because of previous operations.
“This is particularly true for our native kōkako who were close to extinction in the 1990’s. From a single breeding pair in 1994, the 2022 census reveals there are now 259 breeding pairs, thanks in part to the 1080 operations we’ve carried out.”
About the operation
- The 1080 aerial pest control operation in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges is undertaken in winter when pests are most likely to be hungry, visitor numbers are at their lowest and ahead of the key breeding season for several of our native bird species.
- The pre-feed phase familiarises pest animals with the cereal baits, ahead of the baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) being applied in the following weeks.
- A satellite navigation system (GPS) and custom-designed bait applicators will be used to distribute bait (by helicopter) across the operational area.
- Watercare will ensure dams are taken out of service ahead of the operation and will only be returned to service after a stringent water quality testing regime confirms no 1080 is detected in the water.
- Auckland Council ensures helicopters carrying bait do not fly over reservoirs, and there will be setbacks from the margins of each reservoir.
Health and safety
- The Hūnua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatīwai regional parks and tracks within the neighbouring DOC reserves remain closed while the pre-feed application is carried out.
- They will reopen on completion. There is no risk to the public or animals from the cereal prefeed baits.
- When the toxic bait is applied, the parkland will remain closed to enable a track clearance programme to be completed.
- The operation is being undertaken by Auckland Council in partnership with DOC and is guided by the best practice use of 1080, set down by the government, and the public health conditions of permission granted to council by the National Public Health Service – Northern Region Auckland.
For more information, including park closure visit the main Auckland Council website or phone 09 301 0101.
Important information
- 1080 is a deadly toxin – anyone visiting the ranges must observe warning signage and ensure children do not touch or eat the toxic baits.
- Dogs are at risk – if you must visit the ranges (where dogs are permitted), always supervise your dog and do not allow it to scavenge baits or carcasses. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, induce vomiting and immediately go to a vet.
- The treatment area is around 23,5000 hectares and includes Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatīwai regional parks; the Department of Conservation (DOC) administered Mataitai Forest Conservation Area, Papa Turoa Scenic Reserve, Whakatiri Scenic Reserve, Plows Road Conservation Area, Paparimu Conservation Area, Mangatawhiri Forest Conservation Area, Vining Scenic Reserve and Richard Sylvan Memorial Reserve and some adjoining private land.
- The area has been divided into two blocks which will be treated as follows:
- Application of non-toxic pre-feed bait to the whole operational area
- Application of toxic bait (containing 1080) to block one (around 7-10 days after the pre-feed)
- Application of toxic bait to block two (there will be at least two days between the treatment of blocks one and two).
- 1080 operations have never contaminated drinking water in New Zealand. Extensive monitoring in water catchments that have been treated with 1080 show contamination is highly improbable when the current safety procedures are followed; this is backed by over 60 years of research which also shows 1080 operations don't affect waterways or aquatic life. Find out more on the Department of Conservation website.
