A notification from Auckland Council:
Tēnā tatou koutou
Rabbits browsing and burrowing can cause significant damage to ecological areas, new plantings, sports turf assets, sports fields, and archaeological sites. High rabbit numbers also attract predators such as stoats.
Rabbit control by night shooting will take place in Omaha sand dune reserves (see map below) … between 10pm and 5am the following morning on Monday 28th April with rain dates to be advised if required.
During this time, the park will be closed (signage erected), the operation takes place under a police event number, and security will patrol. Control will be using thermal imagery (no spotlights) and a silenced rifle.
Work will focus on the south end of the spit, as rabbits move into this area first from surrounding farmland. Depending on the results from this operation, we may get the rabbit detector dog to locate burrows in the dunes so these can be controlled. The team will work the north end of the spit at low tide to minimise disturbance of birds in the sanctuary and surrounding area. The team are working with high quality infra-red scopes so have good night vision capability to enable accurate target identification.
If you have any questions, please reach out using the contact details below.
Ngā mihi
Sarah Gibbs | Senior Ecological Specialist | Te Kaimātai Mātāmua mō te Hauropi
Parks & Community Facilities
