One Step Closer to a Predator Free Rakiura

The long-held vision of restoring Rakiura as a haven for thriving native taonga is one step closer. Removing introduced predators will further enhance the mauri ora of Rakiura, supporting healthier people and the local economy.

WE’RE NOW PLANNING THE FIRST STAGE OF OPERATIONAL WORK

Predator Free Rakiura is a challenging project. Predator elimination on an island this big will need to be tackled in stages, with each step informing the design of the next.

The first stage is expected to begin with a ~10,000ha block (10km x 10km) at the southern end of Rakiura. This stage will trial tools and techniques to learn what will be required to scale up the removal of rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs across the island. We’re looking to begin removing predators from autumn 2025.

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) has been engaged to lead the planning and delivery of the Predator Free Rakiura project. 

The design of operational work to remove predators will be developed alongside iwi, with input from the Rakiura community and other interested parties.

ZIP is a non-profit organisation with a proven track record of developing and delivering predator elimination at the scale required for this project. Te Puka Rakiura Trust (TPRT) and DOC will continue working closely with ZIP as the project transitions to this new operating model.

FINDING THE BEST WAY

Achieving a predator-free Rakiura will require finding the combination of tools and techniques that gets the work done while protecting the special qualities of Rakiura.

In a landscape of this size and ruggedness, aerial 1080 will be a necessary tool. ZIP and DOC are working with Rakiura Hunter Camps Charitable Trust, NZ Deerstalkers Association, and Game Animal Council to understand and minimise disruption to deer hunting opportunities during predator elimination work. Deer are not a target species for Predator Free Rakiura.

Ground-based tools, like traps and bait stations, will be used in and around places where people live, including around Oban.

COMMUNITY INPUT REMAINS CRUCIAL

We will need advice and guidance, including from iwi, the Predator Free Rakiura Engagement and Advisory Group (EAG), hunting and aquaculture interests, and the local community, around the approach. This input will be critical to designing the elimination work programme.

Discussions have begun with some of these parties, seeking input in the early stages of planning. The community can expect to keep hearing from ZIP as they develop and refine their thinking.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

There’s a lot of planning, design, and preparation required before operational work can begin next year. ZIP’s mission for the next six months is to connect with communities to build a knowledge base of local context that will inform the initial elimination approach.

Keep an eye on our website for more information and regular updates.

Contact Predator Free Rakiura with any questions: info@predatorfreerakiura.org.nz

You can download a printable copy of this story here.

Check out some quick Q&As about this update below:

WHAT ARE THE TARGET SPECIES FOR PREDATOR FREE RAKIURA?

Predator Free Rakiura is an ambitious and longstanding project to eliminate ship rats, Norway rats, kiore (pacific rat), possums, feral cats and hedgehogs from Rakiura/Stewart Island (175,000ha). Achieving the predator-free goal here will unlock important learning for achieving the Predator Free 2050 goal on the mainland.

Deer are not a target species for Predator Free Rakiura.

WHO IS ZIP AND WHY HAVE THEY BEEN ENGAGED TO LEAD THIS PROJECT?

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is a non-profit organisation founded by DOC and the NEXT Foundation. ZIP is skilled at both research and development and the implementation of predator elimination at landscape scale. With a team of 70 people, they currently deliver predator elimination in the Predator Free South Westland and Te Manahuna Aoraki projects.

Achieving a predator-free Rakiura will require specialist skills and expertise. ZIP has a proven track record of developing and delivering predator elimination at this scale, alongside communities at-place. This also means they have established structures and capabilities to manage a project of this size.

Learn more about ZIP here: www.zip.org.nz

Will the community be consulted?

Yes. Community input remains crucial to designing a predator removal approach tailored to Rakiura. Guided by the Engagement and Advisory Group, we’ll work with the community each step of the way. We’ll use this website, social media, the Stewart Island News, and other channels to keep you informed. 

What types of toxins will be used?

To remove predators from a landscape as large and rugged as Rakiura, aerial 1080 will be a necessary tool. The use of other toxins has not yet been decided. 

A range of tools will be required to successfully remove predators from Rakiura. Aerial 1080 will be used alongside other ground-based tools like traps, bait stations and detection devices to build an effective overall approach. Aerial toxins will not be used in and around the places where people live, including Oban.

Community consultation will be an important part of designing how toxins are used as part of the predator removal approach. We’ll keep the community informed of opportunities to get involved and share your views through www.predatorfreerakiura.org.nz, Stewart Island News, and other channels. 

What permission will ZIP need to use toxins?

ZIP only uses toxins with permission from the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and private landowners.

Applications to DOC and MOH are thoroughly assessed before permission is granted to make sure that any risks are sufficiently managed.

Permissions for private land will be agreed through discussion with landowners. Predator removal work will only be carried out on private land with the explicit and ongoing consent of landowners and occupiers.

Landowners may choose to give permission for the use of some tools and not others on their property. For example, landowners may choose to give permission for ground-based bait stations to be used, but not for the application of aerial 1080.

ZIP will reach out to affected landowners directly as part of the planning process.

What is the impact of 1080 on native species?

Individual birds can be harmed by 1080. However, monitoring has shown that the small number of birds that are affected is far outweighed by the population gains for their species and the overall benefits to ecosystems. The breeding success and numbers of many native species increase significantly in areas where 1080 has been used to remove predators.

• Read more about how 1080 is used to protect native species in Aotearoa here.

As part of the planning process, ZIP will take steps to understand and minimise the risk to native birds like kākā and kiwi. ZIP has experience in developing approaches to minimise risks for native species through aerial 1080 operations, having developed an effective approach to protect kea in Predator Free South Westland.

• Read more about ZIP’s work to protect kea through aerial 1080 operations here.

What is the impact of 1080 on kākā?

DOC has studied the effects of predator control using aerial 1080 on South Island kākā. Scientists monitored kākā nests in breeding seasons from 2010 to 2015 after aerial 1080 treatment and in an area where 1080 had never been used. Results showed that adult birds had a much higher survival rate in the area where predators were controlled with 1080.  

• Read more about DOC’s research on the impact of aerial 1080 on kākā here.

What is the Caution Period after a 1080 operation?

Where aerial 1080 is used, a Caution Period for the commercial harvest of deer for human consumption applies within 2km of the treatment area. The Caution Period is active for four months after toxic bait is applied.

This Caution Period is recommended for recreational hunting, but individuals may hunt during this period at their personal discretion.

Will ZIP use deer repellent?

Deer repellent is being considered to minimise the impact of predator removal operations on deer. A decision on the use of deer repellent will be informed by further consultation with iwi, hunting leadership, DOC, and other stakeholders.

How will hunting activities be affected?

ZIP is currently designing and planning for the first stage of operational work, and many details are yet to be decided. As part of this planning, ZIP is considering potential techniques to monitor and minimise the impact of predator removal work on deer populations.

We know that considerations around the deer population are important for many in the extended Rakiura community. ZIP and DOC are working closely with the NZ Deerstalkers Association, Rakiura Māori Lands Trust, Rakiura Hunter Camps Charitable Trust and the Game Animal Council to design an effective predator removal approach that gets the work done while protecting the special qualities of Rakiura.

We're taking steps to minimize potential disruptions to hunting activities that may result from operational work. At this stage, we anticipate that two blocks have the potential to be affected by initial operations: North Pegasus and South Pegasus.

Following discussions with hunting sector representatives, DOC has paused bookings for these two hunting blocks from the end of June 2025 onwards. Once the area and timing of initial operations are confirmed, DOC will re-open bookings for these blocks where hunting activities are not expected to be affected.

There are several factors, including hunting considerations, that will influence the time that operational work begins. If plans indicate that operational work may happen in May or earlier in June, ZIP will contact current booking-holders directly, as early as possible, to discuss potential options around their visit.

ZIP and DOC will work together to make sure the hunting community stays informed through the planning process. For questions about your booking, please contact the local Department of Conservation office: stewartisland@doc.govt.nz

How will the outcomes of predator removal work be measured?

DOC is leading work to measure biodiversity outcomes for Predator Free Rakiura. This will involve tracking trends in populations of native species before, during and after operational work to remove predators from the island. 

DOC is currently designing this monitoring approach in preparation for initial removal operations from autumn 2025.

WHAT IS PREDATOR ELIMINATION?

Elimination is a term we use to describe the step between predator suppression, where predator populations are maintained at low numbers, and predator eradication, where predator populations are completely removed from a defined area within a set time-frame.

To achieve predator elimination, we must remove resident predator populations from a defined area, and then maintain that area as predator-free by responding quickly to ongoing predator incursions.

Historically, predator eradication has only been achieved on sparsely-inhabited off-shore islands, or in fenced sanctuaries on the mainland. To achieve a predator-free Rakiura, we’ll need to eliminate target predators from chunks of the island, bit-by-bit, until we have achieved eradication across the entire island.

WHAT ABOUT THE WORK ALREADY DONE BY TE PUKA RAKIURA TRUST (TPRT) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION (DOC)?

TPRT was engaged by DOC to build the initial concept of a Predator Free Rakiura into an actionable plan. This has now been completed, with TPRT delivering a draft implementation plan early in 2024.

Thanks to that good work, the first operational stage is now being developed and designed, and will likely begin in autumn 2025. A feasibility study was not undertaken by TPRT - however, the first stage of operational work is designed to test, learn, and refine our approach.

This detailed work requires specialist skills and expertise to operate at the scale of Rakiura, which is why Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) has been engaged to lead the planning and delivery of Predator Free Rakiura.

HOW WILL THE PROJECT BE GOVERNED?

It is likely that a new non-profit company will be established to provide governance and oversight to the delivery of Predator Free Rakiura. This is a nationally important project, with a substantial budget. Our investors need to be confident that their investment is being managed wisely.

This new company will enable visibility of ZIP’s operations for Predator Free Rakiura, separated from their work on other projects.

The composition of the board of this new non-profit company is yet to be confirmed. However, it will likely include representation from iwi and the local community, providing community guidance to help manage the project.

WHERE IS THE FUNDING COMING FROM FOR THIS INITIAL OPERATIONAL STEP?

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and philanthropic supporters have committed to funding the first stage of operational work towards predator elimination on Rakiura.

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF EACH ORGANISATION IN THIS NEXT STAGE?

ZIP will lead planning and operational delivery of the Predator Free Rakiura project, including communications and engagement.

Te Puka Rakiura Trust (TPRT) will lead Ngāi Tahu aspirations work and the development of a long-term biosecurity approach, jointly with Environment Southland and other partners such as residents, businesses and recreational visitors.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) will design and establish monitoring to track the biodiversity outcomes of the project.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PREDATOR FREE RAKIURA ENGAGEMENT AND ADVISORY GROUP (EAG) IN THIS NEXT STAGE?

The EAG will remain an important connection point for this project. Regular updates for the group will continue to be distributed by the EAG co-chairs, and regular engagement with the EAG and its members will continue.

ZIP will work with TPRT and the EAG over the next few months to establish clear and accessible channels for the flow of information to and from the EAG, throughout operational design and delivery of the next stage of the project.

Learn more about the EAG here.

WHAT WILL THE NEXT YEAR INVOLVE?

ZIP is now beginning to build the detail around the initial operational approach, to learn what will be required to scale up the removal of rats, possums, feral cats and hedgehogs across the island. This work will include establishing a small team on Rakiura to ground-truth features of the landscape and understand the logistics involved.

Predator elimination in a project as big as Rakiura will need to be done in stages. The initial step is likely to be a relatively small one, to trial tools and techniques and build confidence in the approach before scaling up across the island. The exact location and size for this initial elimination work is still to be determined, but a block of approximately 10,000 hectares at the southern end of the island is currently being considered. It is likely that operational work to remove predators would get underway in autumn 2025.

A project this large and complex has never been undertaken before, and the operational design and delivery will need regular review and adaptation. We expect that the approach will be refined at each stage in response to the specific challenges and opportunities of the Rakiura environment. In this way, we are confident in developing and delivering a predator-free Rakiura one step at a time.

Guidance from iwi, hunters, the EAG, local Rakiura residents and the wider community will play an important role as we assess and then evolve the operational approach at every stage.

HOW ARE KIORE (PACIFIC RATS) BEING APPROACHED?

Kiore (Pacific rats) are included as a target species for the Predator Free Rakiura project, as well as being recognised by some as a taonga species. ZIP is working with Rakiura whānau whānui, alongside TPRT and DOC, to make sure that their aspirations are expressed in the future management of kiore.