16 November 2005

Greater Wellington s pest animal team first began intensive possum control in the 800 hectare Miramar Peninsula in February 2003. The programme has been a huge success. By February 2004 no bait had been taken from any of the 630 bait stations for over two months. In January this year Greater Wellington received confirmed reports of tui nesting and breeding in the Massey Memorial area, the first known instance of tui breeding in the area for many decades.

Greater Wellington biosecurity officer Ken Wright says Over the last two years we have received around twenty calls from peninsula residents reporting sightings of possums or possum droppings. Although most of the reports were in fact hedgehog droppings, their vigilance has led to two possums being trapped with one solitary possum still eluding capture."

To eliminate any remnant possum in the peninsula, Greater Wellington will begin refilling the bait stations from Monday 21 November. The operation will use brodifacoum anticoagulant pellets dispensed from bait stations that are currently in place.

"The bait stations will not only eradicate any remaining possums, but will also target rats. With fewer rats in the area all breeding native birds will have a much better chance to safely raise their fledglings. Rats are also responsible for reducing forest health as they destroy seeds and emerging seedlings."

Ken Wright advises that care must be taken with young children and dogs. Greater Wellington has strict safety operating procedures. Although every care is taken and the methods used present low levels of risk to the public and their pets, people should adhere carefully to precautions and warning signs. Do not touch bait or bait stations. Warning signs will be posted at the three main access points to the whole peninsula.

"We're very grateful for the support we've received from the community for the control programme in Miramar Peninsula. Residents have been very helpful keeping an eye out for possums and many landowners have allowed us to use control on their land. Please contact us with any possum sightings in the area. says Ken Wright.

Possums are kept at low levels in key reserves throughout the region as part of Greater Wellington's Key Native Ecosystem (KNE) programme to protect and enhance native plants and birds. The KNE programme aims to create safe sanctuaries for native birds to disperse from throughout the Wellington region. Miramar Peninsula is seen as a key link in the corridor for the Rimutaka Ranges to East Harbour Regional Park and across to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.  

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Ken Wright
Biosecurity Officer
Greater Wellington
P 04 526 5327
M 027 474 2028
E ken.wright@gw.govt.nz