Kapakapanui possum control operation postponed

An aerial 1080 possum control operation in the Kapiti Coast foothills of the Tararua Ranges has been postponed until February 2018.

The Kapapapanui aerial operation, covering about 10,900 hectares between Akatarawa Road and the Otaki River, was planned for late winter/spring of 2017, but inclement weather prevented the operation’s timely completion.

The TBfree programme controls possum populations to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand with a combination of comprehensive pest management, TB testing for cattle and deer and stock movement control.

The operation is designed to prevent the spread of TB from wildlife into the farmland and lifestyle blocks on the edges of the rugged bush terrain. Removing possums and rats also brings biodiversity benefits for the native plants and birds.

OSPRI’s North Island Programme Manager Alan Innes said the postponement was due to not being able to complete the operation in a suitable weather window prior to the Christmas/New Year period when the area is popular with recreational users. The area includes walking tracks of the Mangaone Walkway, Kapakapanui Track and Hut, Waiotauru and Parata tracks.

Signage warning dog owners about the danger of toxins will be installed at all public access points before any operation begins, and free muzzles will be available.

Mr Innes said, “We are now planning to undertake these operations in February 2018, during a suitable weather window. The exact date will be publicised nearer the time.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the landowners and wider community for their on-going support of the TBfree programme,” he said.

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