Ngā kōrero hou mō te kaupapa mahi ki Kawau
Kawau project operational updates
Keep up with important operational updates related to the Kawau Island pest eradication activities.
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.
Note
As of 20 August 2026, night-time firearms operations associated with this project remain suspended pending investigation into a serious hunting incident.
Update: November 2026 - Possum Team Activities
WHEN:
• Monday 9 November to mid-December 2026
WHAT:
• Ground-based Feratox™ (encapsulated potassium cyanide) operation
WHERE:
• Northern Blocks 7, 9 and 10 where possums have been detected and reinvasion corridors exist
• Residential areas, tracks, roads and drinking-water intakes are excluded
Refer to a map of the treatment area below.
Figure 1: Proposed Northern Feratox treatment area: Blocks 7, 9 and 10
Why this work is being done
• Supports ongoing efforts towards a pest free Kawau Island
• The north is progressing towards becoming possum-free, but reinvasion continues in key possum corridors where habitat is favourable to possums
• The operation targets these corridors to protect gains made in the north
Measures to safeguard public health
• Setbacks apply from residential areas, tracks, roads and drinking-water intakes
• Uneaten bait will be removed and buried
• Carcasses will be removed where practical
• A caution period of a few months will follow the operation
Key safety information
• Observe all warning signs and do not enter signed areas
• Supervise small children and dogs at all times
• Potassium cyanide/ Feratox™ can be deadly if swallowed
• Do not touch bait or carcasses or let dogs scavenge carcasses
Further information
Visit the Kawau project news webpage for the latest project news, or the project key safety information webpage for safety factsheets.
Questions or concerns
Phone 09 301 0101. Email kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Previous updates
Check out previous updates - May to Nov 2025 (PDF 156KB).
