Final Hunua 1080 application underway

The final phase of the Auckland Council’s pest control operation in the Hunua Ranges parklands, neighbouring Department of Conservation administered reserves and some private land, is underway.

Aerial application of bait containing 1080 began this morning within block two of the 21,500 hectares of forest covered by the operation.

The Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai regional parks and tracks within the neighbouring Mangatawhiri and Vining reserves (DOC land) are all closed. They will remain closed for at least the remainder of this week, depending on the weather, while a track clearance programme is conducted.

Water supply reservoirs in block two of the treatment area were isolated from the public water supply ahead of the toxic bait application commencing.

These will not be returned to service until a comprehensive water monitoring programme has been completed with consecutive samples showing no 1080 has been detected, and until the Medical Officer of Health has confirmed that it is safe to do so.

Other safety measures around the water supply include exclusion zones around and no flying over the reservoirs.

Following the operation, visitors to the park and reserve lands should observe information and warning signs. Dogs and young children are particularly at risk from 1080 poisoning.

Dog owners are advised to avoid taking dogs into the operational area until the caution period is over and warning signs are removed.

Those who choose to bring their dogs to areas of the parks (where dogs are allowed) or near to the operational area should supervise them closely to prevent scavenging of carcasses and consider muzzling the dog if off-lead.

For more information, including park closure details, see www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hunuaproject or phone 09 301 0101.

Background

• Pests such as rats, stoats and possums are having devastating effects on native birds, such as kōkako, and the fauna in the Hunua Ranges

• Rats and stoats take eggs from nests while hungry possums are damaging the forest canopy

• Every year we closely monitor six pairs of kōkako in the Hunua Kōkako Management Area (KMA) and from that monitoring we get an indication of the breeding success in the wider population

• Results for the 2014/15 kokako breeding season were announced in April this year were worse than expected, with no fledgings at all

• Additionally, four of the five pairs being followed outside the KMA also appeared to be appeared to be missing.

ENDS

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