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 - 1-14 September 2025
As we adapt to the complex nature of the pest free Kawau Island programme, targeted night hunting will continue in Block 1, covering the Department of Conservation's (DOC's) Kawau Island Historic Reserve and Stoney Hill Recreation Reserve and nearby residential areas. Hunting operations will follow a two-weeks-on / two-weeks-off cycle to maintain pressure on wallaby 'hot spots'.
The next hunting period in the DOC reserves runs from Monday 1 September to Sunday 14 Spetember, between 5pm and 8am. Future hunting hours will adjust as the days get longer.
Night hunting in Schoolhouse, Sunny, Harris, and Karaka bays will occur after 8pm, only on properties with prior landowner permission, from Monday 8 September to Thursday 11 September 2025.
What:
- Night hunting using firearms with suppressors - with strict safety protocols in place.
- Thermal drone surveys across all areas of Block 1.
- Possum removal by Cam Grey and his indicator dog 'Cossie' through daytime trapping and detection.
Where:
- DOC's Kawau Island Historic Reserve and Stoney Hill Recreation Reserve.
- Residential areas: Schoolhouse, Sunny, Harris, and Karaka bays - only on properties with prior landowner permission.
When:
- DOC Reserves Night Hunting: Monday 1 September – Sunday 14 September. Between 5pm and 8am. Note that future hunting hours will be adjusted as the days get longer.
- Residential Area Night Hunting: Monday 8 September - Thursday 11 September. Hunting will occur after 8pm and only on properties with prior permission and during a suitable weather window.
For your own safety, please do not enter these DOC reserves between the hours of 5pm and 8am during this time.
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 27 August 2025 (PDF 130KB).
