Ngā pūrongo o Kawau
Kawau news and key safety information
Keep up with project newsletters and access key safety factsheets for the Kawau Island pest eradication project.
Introduction
The success of this programme, initially and long term, depends on the support and involvement of Kawau Island’s community. Auckland Council is committed to working with you, keeping you up to date and listening to your feedback.
This is your page to keep up with all the important news on the Kawau Island pest eradication programme and some of the environmental outcomes we hope to celebrate in the future.
Sign up for the project newsletter here. Check here for operational updates.
Safety factsheets
Information for landowners and occupiers
The project team have prepared a factsheet outlining important information for landowners, occupiers and visitors to the island. It contains key information that is important to read.
Kawau Island landowner factsheet (PDF - 1.2MB)
Keeping dogs safe
Dogs are the most at-risk pets during a 1080-based pest control operation. Always supervise your dog and keep them on leash in affected areas. Do not let them roam or eat animal remains. Consider using a muzzle. If you suspect your dog has eaten 1080 poison, make the dog vomit immediately if possible and call your vet straight away.
For those on the island, this is likely the Warkworth Vets – 09 425 8244
Alternatively, contact the Auckland Council call centre (24 hours) – 301 0101 for locations of emergency emetic medication.
For more information, check our dog protection fact sheet.
Protecting your dog – factsheet (PDF - 740KB)
Safety tips
During the operation and six months afterward:
• do not touch bait that is dyed green
• watch children at all times
• keep dogs away from poison baits and animal remains, as 1080 they are toxic to animals
• read and follow all safety signs.
National Poisons Centre
If you think someone has been poisoned, call the New Zealand National Poisons Centre immediately - 0800 764 766
Contact
If you have any questions, you can reach us at kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Latest update: 11 July 2025
Working towards a pest free Kawau Island
Pest-free Kawau update: Southern operations continue, northern planning underway
Our work to restore Kawau Island’s unique native biodiversity continues to gain momentum. With the hunting operation well underway in the southern blocks, we are now preparing for the next stage of targeted wallaby and possum control.
Pending a suitable weather window, the toxin operation in the southern blocks is scheduled to get underway from Tuesday 15 July. The treatment map below shows exclusion areas in yellow (Block 1 and all residential areas). With changeable weather conditions forecast, Island Conservation will notify impacted landowners directly of the dates that baits are going to be deployed, as well as provide updates relating to further hunting notifications.
The field camera network combined with drone survey data continues to inform and refine our methodology. The southern area has a much larger population of wallabies than anticipated, however the frequency and accuracy of the information from the monitoring network allows the team to adapt and refine the design, continuing to support a targeted approach across the entire southern treatment area. The team are also committed to keeping the treatment period as short as possible, thus preventing an extended caution window.
▲ Map 1 - Treatment map
Operational progress update
Since May 2025, the team has continued to build on our progress across the island, as outlined in the operation progress map below. Highlights include the removal of over 500 wallabies and 100 possums via thermal assisted hunting, the processing of more than 200,000 wildlife camera images (using AI software that can process ~6 images per second) and the near completion of the 3.2km fence between Emu Point and Smugglers cove.
Block 1 focused on removing last remaining individuals
Block 1, which includes Kawau Island Historic Reserve, Stony Hill Recreation Reserve and several residential bays, is transitioning into the mop-up phase with additional hunting and possum trapping scheduled over coming weeks. Detection dog teams will return to survey the area, and the DOC reserves will be closed for a short duration to support a comprehensive daytime grid search by the hunting team. Information relating to the timing of this work to follow.
Blocks 2 – 6 in active operation
Work has now expanded across the southern operational zone. Targeted toxins (the permitted ground-based application of 1080 and Feratox) will be used alongside hunting methods in areas where monitoring has revealed a high number of wallabies and possums. Non-toxic pre-feeding is underway in blocks 2 – 6.
- Toxin application is expected to start after 15 July, weather permitting
- Rodent bait stations will also be in place to reduce interference at wallaby and possum stations
The use of these targeted toxins is underpinned by strict public health conditions from the National Public Health Service – Northern Region Auckland.
It is understandable that some people may have concerns around the targeted use of the toxins 1080 and Feratox. Health and safety are a priority for the project team and we’d like to reassure the community of the measures we’re taking, particularly related to the targeted use of 1080 (sodium fluroacetate) and Feratox (encapsulated cyanide). For more safety information visit Kawau news and key safety information.
▲ Map 2 - Operation progress July 2025
Looking ahead: Preparation underway in the north
Planning is now underway for the northern operational phase, with the analysis of images from the wildlife camera network and conducting of drone surveys to assess wallaby and possum population size and distribution. Hunting is expected to get underway from mid-July, while additional activities will follow from early August. This includes further drone surveys to assess wallaby and possum distribution, pre-feeding, bait station set-up, possum trapping, and the targeted use of toxins (in areas with high wallaby and possum numbers).
Key reminders
- Direct alerts will be sent to impacted landowners ahead of any baiting or toxin use
- Signage will clearly mark operational zones and exclusion areas
- Visitors are asked to keep dogs off the island during operational and caution periods
- Free muzzles and emetic medication remain available at Warkworth Vets (09 425 8244)
Incredible sightings: Kiwi video captured on Kawau
We’re excited to share a new video captured by Perrin Brown (Cornerstone Conservation) using a thermal camera. The footage reveals two kiwi on Kawau interacting — and a surprise third kiwi making a noisy entrance in the final moments. A heartening glimpse into the lives of our native birds.
▲ Video showing a Kiwi on Kawau Island at night, filmed using a thermal camera.
Previous updates
- 13 June 2025 - Operation update, Community safety, June Community Forum meeting and more
- 13 May 2025 - Operational update and project factsheets
- 22 April 2025 - Project update, Argentine Ant work and success, and April Community Forum meeting (PDF 1MB)
- 13 February 2025 - February Community Forum meeting and NZ Nature Fund campaign (PDF 277KB)
- 31 January 2025 - Supplier announcement and project updates (PDF 1.20MB)
- 17 December 2024 - December Community Forum Meeting And Kiwi On Kawau (PDF 577KB)
- 25 October 2024 - Pest Free Kawau October update- New project video and webpages, dotterel season, and ecosystem monitoring (PDF 1,047KB)
- 13 September 2024 - Project update, Argentine Ants incursion and getting ready for Summer (PDF 1,235KB)
- 19 July 2024 - Project update, funding and property permissions and guides (PDF 705KB)
- 21 May 2024 - Community Forum Update And Stoat Detection Surveys (PDF 415KB)
- 27 March 2024 - Community Forum Reminder And Highlighting Kawau Community Conservation (PDF 705KB)
- 1 March 2024 - Adapting Our Approach In Response To Community Feedback (PDF 875KB)
