Ngā pūrongo o Kawau
Kawau project key safety information
Find key safety information and factsheets for the Kawau Island pest eradication project.
Introduction
The success of this programme, now and in the future, is dependent on the support and involvement of Kawau Island’s community. Auckland Council and the wider project team are 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.
Pest-free Kawau Island is a multi-species eradication programme involving the use of vertebrate toxic agents, including Feratox (encapsulated potassium cyanide) and 1080 (sodium fluroacetate). See the operational updates section for the latest information.
Safety factsheets
Information for landowners and occupiers
The project team have prepared the following factsheets that outline important information for landowners, occupiers and visitors to the island. It contains key information that is important to read.
Current Feratox operation (November-December 2026)
Information for Landowners, Residents and Visitors to Kawau Island – Feratox Operation (PDF 1MB)
Previous ground-based1080 operation (March 2026)
Information for Landowners, Residents and Visitors to Kawau Island – 1080 (PDF 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 a 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) – (09) 301 0101 for locations of emergency emetic medication.
Read the following dog protection factsheets for further information:
- Protecting Your Dog During Pest Control Operations – Feratox Operation (PDF 835KB)
- Protecting Your Dog During Pest Control Operations – 1080 (PDF 1.02MB)
Safety tips
During the operation and six months afterward:
• Do not touch bait that is dyed green or blue. Do not touch possum dough (non-toxic lure) which is brown and may contain blue pellets.
• Watch children at all times.
• Keep dogs away from poison baits and animal remains, as both 1080 and Feratox baits 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 details
Email us at kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone (09) 301 0101.
