Kawau project operational updates

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 – 18 or 19 July

1080 & Feratox ground-based bait deployment, weather dependent

Restoring Kawau Island’s unique native biodiversity continues to progress. With the hunting operation well underway in the southern blocks, we are now preparing for the next stage of targeted wallaby and possum removal.

What:

Targeted use of toxins 1080 and Feratox to control wallabies and possums.

• Ground-based at monitored stations, not aerially applied.
• Bait will be out for a few days before removal from treatment area.
• Application of toxins will be in accordance with strict permit conditions.

Where:

• Blocks 2 through to 6 - only properties where landowner permission has been granted.
• In accordance with exclusion and buffer zones prescribed by National Public Health Service – Northern Region Auckland.
• Where wallaby and possum numbers are high. Where practicable, carcasses will be retrieved.
  

When:

• Bait will be deployed from either Friday 18 or Saturday 19 July (weather dependent).
• Uneaten bait will be removed next week.

Safety information:

Pets

• Please always keep dogs on-lead and away from baited areas. Dogs are highly vulnerable to 1080 and Feratox poisoning if baits are ingested directly.
• A carcass containing 1080 can remain toxic for up to four months. A six-month caution period will be observed, during which signage will remain. It is important that people follow safety precautions and instructions during this time.
• Carcass breakdown time will be monitored.
• Free canine muzzles and emetic medication is available from Warkworth Vets, 23 Hudson Road, Warkworth. Phone 09 425 8244.

People and children

• Obey all posted warning signs. Do not touch bait that is dyed green.
• Supervise children and keep them away from treatment areas while bait is deployed.
• If you think someone has been poisoned, call the New Zealand National Poisons Centre immediately - 0800 764 766.

Refer to the news and key safety information webpage for more details including landowner and pet safety information sheets. 

Hunting notifications:

• Further hunting notifications will be sent directly to residents and landowners in Block 1 where more hunting and possum trapping is planned from 22 July.
• More hunting notifications will be sent directly to residents and landowners in Block 1 and Block 2 where follow-up hunting and possum trapping are planned.
  
  

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 15 July 2025 (PDF 106KB).