Kawau Island pest eradication proposal

​Pest-free Kawau Island

We proposed the concept of a pest-free Kawau Island as part of the Regional Pest Management Plan 2020–2030 (RPMP).

When we asked Aucklanders for their thoughts on the concept in 2018, we received a lot of positive feedback. As a result, the proposal was included in the final RPMP.

About the programme

We worked with Island Conservation to help assess the proposal's feasibility. In 2022, Island Conservation worked with the community to provide detailed information on: 

• potential benefits
• potential risks
• views and values of the community.

Visit Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau for a more detailed overview of the project, including project updates and related news. 

Feasibility report

After the community engagement, we complied findings into a feasibility report. This report assessed the technical feasibility and social acceptability of removing wallabies, possums, rats and stoats from Kawau Island. It was released on 23 August 2023.

Island Conservation found it was technically feasible to remove introduced mammals, based on precedents established elsewhere. They also found there were high levels of community support for the concept of a pest-free Kawau Island.

The report was peer reviewed by:

• Island Eradication Advisory Group
• Wallaby Technical Advisory Group
• Predator Free 2050
• Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust     
• Pohutukawa Trust New Zealand.

The report is a step in an ongoing assessment and there will be further review points before a decision is made. 

Get a copy of the feasibility report

Pest-free Kawau Island engagement

Following the release of the feasibility report, we hosted events in August and September 2023 to inform the Kawau Island community on the findings and provide an opportunity for questions.

We also asked for feedback on the report.

Pest-free Kawau Island webinar

We held a webinar on the possibility of a pest-free Kawau Island on 30 August 2023. A panel of experts discussed the feasibility  report and answered questions.

Visit Assessing the feasibility of a pest-free Kawau Island to watch the full webinar.

We also created a document that answers the questions we did not have time to address during the webinar.

​In-person engagement

We also held:

• four field trips to the pest-free islands of Tiritiri Matangi and Rakino with the project team
• two drop-in sessions at Sandspit where residents, landowners and organisations were invited to speak to the project team.

Feedback summary report

We received a large number of responses from the Kawau Island community on the feasibility report. We analysed and compiled feedback into a summary report, which was released on 30 November 2023.

Your feedback has shown strong support for the need to take action against pests and the biodiversity outcomes removing pests would achieve.

Your feedback also indicated that some members of the community still held concerns about different aspects of the project, such as proposed methods, and that additional community representation was important.

Feedback also indicates some members of the community still hold some concerns, including specific control methods, particularly the use of toxins, and controlling rather than removing wallabies.

Get a copy of the feedback report

Changing the proposal

In response to your feedback, we now propose to remove pest animal species from Kawau Island in two stand-alone projects.

The first project would focus on the removal of browsers, (wallabies and possums) and is expected to take approximately two years.

The second project remains in an assessment phase. If approved, it would focus on the removal of predators specifically rodents, and stoats if they are present. This requires further and ongoing discussion with the community before being confirmed.

You can find more information about the first proposed project in our information guide and brochure.

Get a copy of our information guide and brochure

​Property permission process

Island Conservation is leading discussions with landowners on property access for the proposed wallaby and possum removal. Team members will meet with landowners to:

• discuss the project
• complete landowner agreements.

The agreements will include:

• written permission to access property
• content on specific concerns or safety considerations, particularly about people or pets.

Feedback from landowners will help inform our operational planning, as part of a continual engagement and process improvement practice.

Community forum

A community forum has also been established to ensure greater community representation. It is an important part of the project structure that ensures the community has a voice in the project and is involved in the project design.

The community forum meetings are held monthly online, and any member of the Kawau Island community is welcome to join.
 
Email kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to register your interest.

More information

Email kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to find out more on the pest-free Kawau Island proposal.