Ngā kōrero hou mō te kaupapa mahi ki Kawau
Kawau project operational updates
Keep up with all the important updates on 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 updates on the Kawau Island pest eradication programme and some of the environmental outcomes we hope to celebrate in the future.
Map of Kawau Island showing the hunting blocks, fence lines and gates.
Download map (PDF - 1.80MB)
Kawau Island Operations Update: 20 - 24 October 2025
Note: There will be no hunting operations on Kawau Island over Labour Weekend.
Night hunting: 20 - 24 October
What:
- Targeted night hunting, using firearms fitted with suppressors.
- With thermal drone support.
- Shots will only be taken if it is completely safe to do so, following strict safety protocols.
Where:
- Schoolhouse, Sunny and Harris Bay residential areas, where landowner permission has already been granted.
When:
- The night of Monday 20 October through to the morning of Friday 24 October.
- After 9pm.
Possum ground survey: 22 - 23 October
To date, no possums have been detected in South Cove using wildlife cameras, thermal imagery or drone surveys. To confirm this, Cam Gray and Kiri Stack, with possum indicator dogs Cossie and Beck, will be conducting a daytime ground survey. The canine detection work will confirm if South Cove is possum-free or if we need to get to work with trapping.
Cam & Kiri will need three sweeps to fully confirm the absence of possums – one of these checks will be when the coastal pohutukawa trees are in full flower.
If you would like to meet the possum team or show them anything on your property or where you may suspect a possum is residing, please contact kawau@islandconservation.org
What:
- Possum daytime ground survey using detector dogs.
Where:
- Through South Cove residential areas and the coastal cliffs.
When:
- The first sweep is planned for next week on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October.
How you can help
If you have seen any recent possum or wallaby activity, please let us know by email: kawau@islandconservation.org
Let us know date/time/location details to help us direct the field team to exactly where they’re needed most.
Questions or concerns
Contact the project team at: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101.
Previous updates
Check out previous updates - 1 May to 16 October 2025 (PDF 148KB).
