A major multi-year project is currently underway to make Kawau Island free of animal pests. Once completed, Kawau Island will become the largest inhabited pest-free island in New Zealand, helping to restore native bush and bird populations.
Browsers (Wallabies and Possums)
The first phase focuses on eradicating browsers, specifically wallabies and possums. Wallabies have been a unique characteristics of Kawau Island and were bought to the island by Governor Gray in the 1870’s. Many adults have fond memories of seeing wallabies as children when they visited the island.
However, with no natural predators their numbers exploded over time and their need for food has decimated forest regeneration. They love native forest seedlings and will eat most plants and even young trees, in fact they will consume almost anything under 2 meters, leaving an undergrowth desert.
Whilst possums are usually not visible to visitors, their impact is visible. They consume native vegetation and will also prey on birds and their eggs. They threaten native insects and carry diseases. In addition, they compete for food and habitats with native bird species like the kaka.
Once these browsers are removed the island will see:
· Restored habitats to support our precious native species, such as Kiwis
· More native specifies thriving. Kawau is close to other pest free islands and sanctuaries which will allow more species to arrive and thrive, e.g. bellbirds.
· Regenerated forests with more pollination, seed dispersal and seedling survival.
· Reduced erosion and fire risk.
The island has been divided into 10 blocks for this project with the aim to clear each block as much as possible before continuing to the next block. The primary eradication method is hunting and this is done overnight so you can still enjoy the walks that the island has to offer on public land (and private land where consent has been given). Along the way you may see some possum traps or even some monitoring cameras. These cameras are not at face level and AI is used to distinguish between human and pests so there is no fear that you will become a pin up star!
Some toxins will be used at various stages so it’s best to leave any pets on the mainland. (Note that dogs have always been prohibited on DOC land which is where the public walks can be found). If you are staying on private land and must bring your pets, check with your host and keep your pet supervised at all times. If you think your pet has eaten poison, induce vomiting immediately and call your vet immediately. Refer to “Protecting your dog” brochure. If you see any dyed green bait – do not touch.
Operations commenced in block one in early May 2025 and you can track progress by referring to the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau Conservation Auckland Kawau Project website . If you have an ongoing interest, you can subscribe to email updates by selecting the relevant link in the introduction section of Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau Conservation Auckland website.
If you would like to donate to this very important project you can do this via a dedicated fund through the NZ Nature Fund.
Rat Eradication
Plans for rat eradication remain in feasibility assessment and would be subject to further community engagement and funding. Significant groundwork has already been laid for this next phase.
Argentine Ants Project
Argentine ants are aggressive and form 'super-colonies' that can overwhelm ecosystems. They harm native wildlife, prey on vulnerable species, and disrupt food chains. The Kawau Island pest-free team is implementing targeted measures to suppress Argentine ant populations, including baiting programs, monitoring high-risk areas, and community engagement.
Information on this project can also be found on the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau Conservation Auckland website.
How Can I Help?
You can help with this project by:
· Packing belongings and food into sealable bags and containers.
· Check your bags for unwelcome free loaders. Whilst the chances of a mice or rat jumping into your bag are hopefully not that high, remember that plague skinks and argentine ants are also unwelcome and can easily climb aboard when bags are left standing outside.
· If you are staying overnight, check with your host on the status of the project for the block you are staying in.
· Leave your dog behind on the mainland. If you must bring your dog, keep it with you under supervision and don’t allow them to roam in the bush or food scavenge.
· Help towards making the island pest free by making a donation through NZ Nature Fund.