Ngā kōrero hou mō te kaupapa mahi ki Kawau
Kawau project 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)
June 2025
Kawau Island Operations Update – 16 June onward
Where:
- Block 1 DOC Kawau Island Historic Stoney Hill Recreational Reserve
- Schoolhouse, Sunny and Harris Bays (by permission only)
What:
- Thermal-assisted hunting
- Drone surveys
- Continuation of wildlife camera monitoring
When:
- Monday 16 June - Friday 27 June 2025
- No hunting during Matariki Weekend (20-22 June)
- Hunting hours in DOC reserves: 4pm – 9am
- The operational team will contact residents and landowners of Schoolhouse, Sunny and Harris Bays directly to confirm dates for targeted follow-up work.
Important safety note:
Do not enter the Kawau Island Historic Reserve or Stoney Hill Recreational Reserve between 4pm-9am.
There will be no hunting in DOC reserves over the Matariki long weekend.
Possum detection work:
The possum team and indicator dogs are currently surveying and trapping the DOC reserves. They are expected to visit Schoolhouse Bay in July or early August — exact dates to be confirmed.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the project team at: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101
Kawau Island Operations Update – 9 June onward
Where:
- Blocks 2 and 3 including South Cove — only on properties where access has been granted.
What:
- Field team site familiarisation in South Cove residential area
- Evening Drone Surveys
- Targeted Night Hunting (firearms with suppressors, strict safety protocols)
- Daytime Possum Survey with possum indicator dog.
When:
- Wednesday, June 11 from 10 AM: Residential walkthrough
- From June 11 (weather permitting): Evening drone surveys
- June 11-12: Hunting in block 3 where access has been granted
- June 13–20 (weather permitting): Night hunting in South Cove (after 8:00 PM) only on properties where access has been granted
- Daytime Possum survey work - Date to be confirmed.
Another update will be scheduled shortly with details on follow up hunting in hotspots in Block 1.
If you have any questions, please email: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone: 09 301 0101
May 2025
Kawau Island Operations Update – 23 May onward
The field team will soon begin work in Blocks 2 and 3. This does not yet include the South Cove residential area.
However, as South Cove borders properties where operations are underway, they may hear some night-time activity such as firearms or drone surveys. Field work also continues in the DOC Kawau Island Historic and Stoney Hill Reserves through to the end of May.
Where:
• Blocks 2 and 3 (excluding South Cove residential area)
• Block 1 – DOC Kawau Island Historic and Stoney Hill Reserve
What:
• Night hunting with suppressor-equipped firearms (only when safe, under strict protocols)
• Evening drone surveys
• Possum trapping
• Ongoing wildlife camera monitoring
When:
• Block 2 & 3 operations begin May 23
• DOC Reserve operations continue through to end of May
Later in June, the field team will walk through South Cove to familiarise themselves with the layout, introduce themselves and the indicator dogs prior to any operational activity. The operational team will be in contact with residents and landowners of South Cove about when this will be.
If you have any questions, please email: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone: 09 301 0101
Kawau Island Operations Update – Starting May 1st
The weather window is looking good for pest eradication operations on Kawau Island to begin the evening of Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The hunting team will begin in the Department of Conservation Kawau Island Historic Reserve and neighbouring Stoney Hill Recreational Reserve (Block 1). Key details:
Where:
• DOC Kawau Island Historic Reserve
• Stoney Hill Recreational Reserve
What:
• Thermal-assisted hunting and drone surveys
• Indicator dog surveys
• Wildlife camera monitoring
When:
• May 1st to May 30th
Hunting hours:
• 5pm to 8am daily
For your safety:
Do not enter the Kawau Island Historic Reserve and Stoney Hill Recreational Reserve between the hours of 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM during this period.
You might see the field team during the day, with indicator dogs Tibby, Lizzy or Rex. This will be for surveying purposes or traversing to another area on Kawau. Feel free to stop and have a chat with the team.
Next Steps:
The field team will walk through the Schoolhouse, Sunny and Harris Bay areas to familiarise themselves with the layout, introduce themselves and the indicator dogs prior to any operational activity. The operational team will be in contact with residents and landowners of Schoolhouse, Sunny and Harris Bay about when this will be.
We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum and working respectfully with all landowners in accordance with property access agreements.
If you have any questions, please email: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone: 09 301 0101
