Auckland Council is about to start a mass aerial 1080 bombardment in the Hunua Ranges.
The pest control team is currently monitoring the weather forecasts to determine the best time to begin.
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The operation will take place across the Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai regional parks; Department of Conservation (DoC) administered lands, including Mataitai Conservation Area, and some adjoining private land.
The council says the programme is necessary to protect Hunua forest and its native species, including the threatened kōkako from pests like possums, rats and stoats. It follows success of the 2015 operation, where Auckland Council aerially applied 1080 to 21,500ha of parkland.
"After the last operation the lowest-ever range-wide number of rats and possums were recorded, resulting in a significant increase in the number of endangered kōkako chicks hatching over the next two seasons," says Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of the council's Environment and Community Committee.
"As expected, in the three years since the last operation the numbers of pests has begun to creep up again.
"By repeating pest control we can ensure the protection of our precious forest and the threatened species that live within it."
The process will start by dropping non-toxic pre-feed bait to make the pest animals hungry for more. This will be followed by the application of baits containing the "naturally occurring toxin" 1080.
The council says it is taking steps to protect water supply reservoirs, including "extensive monitoring" and water testing.
It's also working with landowners to understand drinking water extraction from streams flowing out of the operational area.
The parks will be closed during the operation and a track clearance programme carried out before they are reopened. However the council is warning the public to take care inside the ranges to avoid being poisoned.
"1080 is a deadly toxin - anyone visiting the ranges must observe warning signage and ensure that children do not touch or eat the toxic baits," the council warns.
"Dogs are also at risk - if you must visit the ranges (where dogs are permitted), supervise your dog at all times and do not allow it to scavenge baits or carcasses. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, induce vomiting and immediately go to a vet."
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