On behalf of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, the Regional and Specialist Parks and Biosecurity teams within Auckland Council will be undertaking rabbit control by night shooting on:
· Wednesday 6th December
· Monday 11th December
· Wednesday 13th December
· Rain date = Thursday 14th December
The maunga will be closed between 10pm and 5am on the nights when control is taking place.
Where it is safe, and prior permission has been gained, some work may occur on selected private properties. (This specifically relates to a large, vacant, grassed section on Pere St with a good secure backdrop and a property owner who has given us permission to shoot here for several years now.)
Why is rabbit control required?
The burrowing and feeding activity of rabbits contributes significantly to soil erosion and is one of the greatest threats to archaeological, geological, amenity, biodiversity and recreational values of Auckland’s Maunga. Rabbits also cause damage to native plants and vegetation on the Maunga and surrounding properties. Rabbits are prolific breeders and one adult pair can produce a further 100 plus rabbits in one year if uncontrolled.
When and how will the control take place?
Given the high use of our Maunga by residents, dog-walkers and visitors, carefully planned late night shooting is deemed to be the most appropriate and effective control approach.
Specific details are as follows:
· Timing will be between 12.00pm (midnight) and 4am on weekdays (NO operations will occur on weekends, Fridays or school holidays)
· Security personnel will patrol the Maunga entrances and boundaries throughout the operation to ensure the site is clear of people
· There will only be one firearm in use. This will be a silenced .22 calibre rifle using low velocity ammunition to prevent ricochets
· The contractor will only target rabbits within a specified distance and will only fire on 100 per cent identification that the target is a rabbit. There will be no firing near the top of a ridge or the Maunga boundary and firing will only occur against a safe backdrop
· Signage will be in place 24 hours in advance at all entrances to the Maunga. Signage will be checked by security personnel prior to the commencement of the operation and during the operation
· Police will be informed prior to rabbit control.
We have selected a contractor with strong record in pest animal control and would like to reassure all Maunga neighbours that their pets will not be affected by this operation. However, for peace of mind, you may wish to keep pets indoors on the evenings we are working in your area.
If you have any questions regarding this operation contact Sara Gibbs on 021 815 397 or at sarah.gibbs@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz