Kawau project operational updates

1. Toxin Operation Update, April 1st.

The ground base 1080 operation has concluded. The six‑month cautionary period following the toxin operation has now begun, and it’s important to take extra care to ensure the safety of your pets. All uneaten cut foliage treated with 1080 gel has been removed. However, some residual 1080 cereal pellets remain on the ground and are continuing to break down naturally, helped by the recent wet weather. While carcasses are decomposing quickly, they continue to pose the highest risk to dogs during the cautionary period. If you are bringing a dog or any other pet to the island, ensure they are always contained or kept on a lead during this time.

Visitors with dogs should:

• Keep dogs on a lead at all times
• Do not let them scavenge carcasses
• Stay on tracks and roads only
• Avoid the treatment area
• Continue to observe all warning signs

For more guidance, please refer to the Protecting Your Dog factsheet.  Should you have any concerns about potential toxin exposure or require urgent advice, please contact:

Warkworth Vets: 09 425 9260,  27 Hudson Road, Warkworth.

Note that:

• the toxin application will support the ongoing hunting effort to remove wallabies and possums where numbers are high. This has been revealed by regular camera and drone monitoring in the southern blocks.
• the treatment area is on private property and gates to the property will be locked. Please refer to map below.
• baits will be placed a minimum of 20 metres from private tracks and roads.
• warning signage will be in place at wharves, main entry points to the treatment area and at treated foliage sites.
• neighbouring properties will be notified ahead of toxic bait application and once foliage bait has been removed. Cereal bait will degrade naturally in the environment.
• Public Health conditions, including exclusion zones for block one and setbacks from residential areas, will apply. Monitoring of ground-based domestic water supplies within or downstream of treatment areas will also take place.
• carcasses will be removed where practical. A caution period of several months will follow while carcasses naturally break down.

Map of Kawau Island showing the ground-based 1080 treatment area. 
Download map (PDF - 2.51MB)