1080 bait dropped on Auckland park

A second block will also receive today a drop of non-toxic cereal pellets bait to get the pests used to the bait when it is dropped.

Three helicopters today began dropping bait containing 1080 poison on a forestry block in the Hunua Ranges, south-east of Auckland, signalling a five-day closure of tracks in the ranges regional parks.

Auckland Council said the toxic bait-dropping was the second phase of its bid to control the effects of rats, stoats and possums on the range's forest canopy, fauna and native birds, such as kōkako.

The operation includes the range's parklands, neighbouring Department of Conservation reserves and some private land.

The aerial drop of 1080 began this morning within the first block of the 21,500 ha of forest to be covered by the operation.

A second block will also receive today a drop of non-toxic cereal pellets bait to get the pests used to the bait when it is dropped.

The council said the Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai regional parks and tracks within the neighbouring Mangatawhiri and Vining reserves are all closed.

They will be closed for up to five days while bait is collected from tracks.

Watercare Services said its water storage dams in block one have been isolated from the city water supply.

These will not be returned to service until a monitoring programme is completed, with consecutive samples showing no 1080 has been detected.

The Medical Officer of Health will have to confirm whether it is safe to resume service.
Helicopters use satellite technology for pin-point accuracy of drops but are forbidden to fly around the reservoirs.

Young children and dogs are particularly at risk from 1080 poisoning in the operational area until warning signs are removed.

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