Photo credit: Jude Hynes
Photo credit: Jude Hynes

Ngā pūrongo o Kawau

Kawau project news and key safety information

Find project newsletters and access key safety factsheets for 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.

Email us to sign up for the project newsletter. See the operational updates section for the latest information.

Safety factsheets

Information for landowners and occupiers

The project team have prepared the Kawau Island eradication project factsheet for landowners and residents (PDF 1.85MB) that outlines important information for landowners, occupiers and visitors to the island. It contains key information that is important to read.

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 a 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.

Check out the dog protection factsheet (PDF 1.02MB) for further information.

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 details

Email us at kawauislandproject@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone (09) 301 0101.

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 newsletter - May 2026


Kawau Island multi-species eradication project - Working towards a pest free Kawau Island

 

Operations update

Toxin operation update 

While the ground-based 1080 operation for the southern treatment area safely concluded in March, the six-month cautionary period still applies and it’s important to continue to take care to ensure the safety of your pets.

Although all uneaten cut foliage treated with 1080 gel has been removed, and 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. 

Data analysis is underway and the findings will be discussed with the technical advisory group to inform next steps. We aim to share these findings with the community in June through our community newsletter and forum. 

Remind visitors to the island to:

  • Keep dogs on a lead at all times
  • Do not let dogs 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 on 09 425 9260, at 27 Hudson Road, Warkworth.

Night hunting

Wallaby team update

The team has been focused on removing the last remaining wallabies in Block One surviving individuals are always the hardest and most time consuming to remove. Hunting has also begun in the buffer areas where no toxin was applied, along with follow up hunting in the treatment areas.

Please look out for hunting notifications from Island Conservation when the team is operating in your area.

Possum Team Update

Cam and Kiri, along with conservation dogs Beck and Cossie, have been carrying out possum survey work in the Northern Blocks. Several low‑level detection sites with old scat were identified, as well as some medium‑level detection sites. Fresh possum scat and sign were also found in Block 9.

Follow‑up detection and removal work will continue later in May.

Figure 1. A conservation dog in the bush on Kawau Island.

 

Smarter gardening for a pest-free Kawau

Autumn is a popular time to tidy and prepare gardens for planting, but moving plants, soil, compost, and equipment from the mainland can unintentionally spread pests. 
To help protect Kawau:

  • Carefully check bags, boxes, pot plants, and supplies for insects, eggs, or rodent signs.
  • Thoroughly soak potted plants before transport.
  • Where possible, buy from accredited Plant Pass producers.
  • Clean soil from boots, tools, pots, trailers, and plant roots before moving anything.
  • Ensure all soil, compost, and potting mix is transported in sealed, unopened bags from suppliers with good biosecurity practices.
  • Store gardening gear off the ground prior to transport to reduce the risk of pest hitchhikers.

Talk to your transport operator ahead of time to confirm the biosecurity requirements. Biosecurity dog teams at Sandspit Wharf are regularly checking barges for pests like rodents and invasive ants and can be contacted by emailing biosecurity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you need further advice.

 

Support for weed control

Auckland Council is looking to support weed management on Kawau Island as browsing pests like possums and wallabies are removed from the island. With fewer of these animals, some introduced (non-native) weeds that were previously kept in check may begin to spread more quickly.

Now is a great time to take action to protect your property and help care for Kawau Island’s natural environment.

If you’re interested in receiving support for weed control on your property, please complete this short survey to register your interest.

 

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