Photo credit: Jude Hynes
Photo credit: Jude Hynes

Ngā pūrongo o Kawau

Kawau news

Keep up with all the important news on the Kawau Island pest eradication project.

Photo credit: Jude Hynes

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 news on the Kawau Island pest eradication programme and some of the environmental outcomes we hope to celebrate in the future.

Sign up for the project newsletter here. Check here for operational updates.

Project factsheet

Information for landowners and occupiers

The project team have prepared a factsheet outlining important information for landowners, occupiers and visitors to the island. It contains key information that is important to read.
Kawau Island landowner factsheet (PDF - 1.2MB)

Keeping dogs safe

Dogs are the most at-risk pets during a 1080-based pest control operation. Always supervise your dog and keep them on leash in affected areas. Do not let them roam or eat animal remains. Consider using a muzzle. If you suspect your dog has eaten 1080 poison, make the dog vomit immediately if possible and call your vet straight away. 

For those on the island, this is likely the Warkworth Vets – 09 425 8244 
Alternatively, contact the Auckland Council call centre (24 hours) – 301 0101 for locations of emergency emetic medication.

For more information, check our dog protection fact sheet.  
Protecting your dog – factsheet (PDF - 740KB)

Safety tips

During the operation and six months afterward:
•    do not touch bait that is dyed green
•    watch children at all times
•    keep dogs away from poison baits and animal remains, as 1080 they are toxic to animals
•    read and follow all safety signs.

National Poisons Centre
If you think someone has been poisoned, call the New Zealand National Poisons Centre immediately - 0800 764 766

Contact

If you have any questions, you can reach us at kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

View from Kawau Island on a sunny day with a blue sky and a few clouds, with Hauturu / Little Barrier Island in the distance.
Looking out to Hauturu / Little Barrier Island from Kawau Island
Photo credit: Jude Hynes

Latest update: 13 May 2025

 

Recovery of forest ecosystems on Kawau Island

Working towards a pest-free Kawau Island
Operational update

 

Active efforts to remove wallabies and possums from Kawau Island are now underway, following several months of detailed planning and site preparation.

Work began in February 2025 with the setup of critical infrastructure. This included reinstating the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) temporary wallaby fence, installing a network of wildlife monitoring cameras, establishing an operational base, and coordinating the necessary equipment and logistics.

Progress as of early May:
•    132 wildlife cameras installed across the island and actively collecting data
•    2.3 km of DOC wallaby fence reinstated, secured with over 2,000 ground pins
•    Operational base fully established and resourced
•    Over 200 hours logged by the field team
•    393 km covered on foot
•    Support from trained indicator dogs, thermal drones, wildlife cameras, and possum traps.

Ground control operations have now begun at the southern end of the island, starting on public conservation land and gradually expanding into private properties. Although most fieldwork is carried out at night, the team has been rewarded with sightings of Kawau Island's native wildlife.

Check out this image of a North Island Brown Kiwi captured by one of the field cameras installed on the island: 

A North Island Brown Kiwi in the bush on Kawau Island in black and white, as captured by one of the field cameras installed on the island.

The team’s current focus is on Block 1 (see map below). Once work there is complete, efforts will shift to Blocks 2 and 3. In June, possum specialist Cameron Grey and his trained detection dog Nesha will begin targeted possum removal, followed by verification to ensure Block 1 is pest-free.

Subject to permit approval and monitoring outcomes, targeted toxins will be used to support hunting and this is expected to begin in June. Toxins will be applied only in clearly defined areas where high numbers of wallabies and possums have been confirmed. Pre-feeding with non-toxic bait will occur beforehand, and rodenticides may be used in bait stations to minimise interference from rats.

All residents and landowners will be notified in advance of any toxin application, including specific timing and locations, and will be informed once any uneaten bait is removed.

Provisional Operation Timeline

Map of Kawau Island showing the hunting blocks, fence lines and gates. Block 1 includes public conservation land around Mansion House, and some nearby properties.  Download map (PDF - 1.80MB)

Kawau Island Takes on Argentine Ants: Protecting Native Wildlife from a Tiny but Mighty Threat

As part of its ongoing mission to restore Kawau Island’s ecosystems, the Kawau Island pest-free operation group is tackling one of the world’s most invasive ant species: the Argentine ant. While small in size, these ants pose an outsized threat to the island’s native plants, animals, and biodiversity.

Why Argentine Ants Are a Big Problem

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are aggressive, highly adaptable, and known for forming massive "super-colonies" — interconnected networks of nests that work together, allowing their populations to explode. Unlike most ant species, which compete with one another, Argentine ants cooperate across colonies, creating dense infestations that overwhelm ecosystems.

Their impacts are far-reaching:
  • Harm to native wildlife: They attack and displace native invertebrates, which are critical food sources for birds and lizards.
  • Predation on vulnerable species: They eat lizard eggs, bird hatchlings, and even newly born chicks, putting endangered populations at risk.
  • Disrupting food chains: They compete with native nectar-feeding birds (e.g., tūī, korimako/bellbirds, and silvereyes) by stealing honeydew and nectar from plants.
Kawau Island’s Fight Against the Invasion

The Kawau Island pest-free team is implementing targeted to eradication measures to suppress Argentine ant populations before they cause irreversible damage. Efforts include:

  • Baiting programs to disrupt super-colonies.
  • Monitoring high-risk areas to detect and respond to new infestations early.
  • Community engagement, encouraging residents to report ant sightings and avoid accidentally transporting them. If you want to report, look for someone from our team in the area or send us an email: kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
How You Can Help

Residents and visitors can play a key role by:

  • Avoiding moving soil or plants that may carry ants.
  • Reporting ant sightings to the biosecurity team.
  • Keeping food sealed to avoid attracting them.
Kawau Island’s Argentine Ant Success

Residents already see results from the recent Argentine ant operations, with thriving gardens and veggies! Before, many struggled to grow crops like corn due to ant damage. Now, locals report bumper harvests. “We couldn’t grow corn before—now we’ve got heaps!” one resident shared. The operation’s success means healthier gardens and a boost for native species. Ongoing efforts will keep Kawau on track as a pest-free haven.

April Community Forum Meeting

Register for the next meeting

 

The next community forum meeting will be held online on Thursday, 24 April, at 7:30pm. If you would like to attend, please register in advance.

The community forum is an essential part of the project structure that ensures the community has a voice in the project and is involved in the project design. Ideally, it will ensure diverse community voices and perspectives, including businesses, charitable trusts, conservation groups, and residents/ratepayers.

The community forum meetings are held monthly online, and any member of the Kawau Island community is welcome to be a part of the community forum.

 

Previous updates