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Animal Pest ManagementĀraitanga Kararehe Orotā

Pest animals have significant and negative impacts on our native species, bush remnants, pastures, water quality, human health, and the regional economy.

Animal pests & management programmes

The animals listed below are considered pests in our Regional Pest Management Plan, and each pest (which can include multiple species and other organisms they spread) is managed differently according to the following classifications.

Exclusion

To prevent the establishment of a pest that is present in New Zealand but not yet established in our region.

Eradication 

To reduce the infestation level of the pest to zero density in an area in the short to medium term.

Progressive containment

To contain or reduce the geographic distribution of the pest in an area over time.

Sustained control

To provide for ongoing control of the pest to reduce its impact and spread onto other properties.

Site-led

The pest is excluded or eradicated from that location, or is contained, reduced, or controlled within the location to an extent that protects the values of that area.

Read more in our Regional Pest Management Plan

What do we do?

Regional Council’s Pest Animal Advisory Team manages animal pest programmes, handles site-specific control work, and advises landowners.

We have regional control programmes for:

Wallaby <small><em>Exclusion</em></small>

Wallaby Exclusion

What we do: We follow up on Wallaby reports to prevent Wallabies from establishing in Hawke’s Bay.

What we don't do: Since Wallabies aren’t currently known to exist in our region, we only respond to reports.

Rooks <small><em>Eradication</em></small>

Rooks Eradication

What we do: We have set Rook Eradication Zones, aiming to eradicate rooks from Hawke’s Bay.

What we don't do: We don’t do bird shooting, but please let us know about any nesting birds (rookery) locations.

Possums <small><em>Sustained Control</em></small>

Possums Sustained Control

What we do: Landowners in the Possum Control area must manage possums on their own properties. We monitor the possum population in HB to identify areas requiring greater control.

What we don't do: We don’t control possums on private land, but we can recommend trusted contractors, arrange consultations, and offer guidance on best practices.

Rabbits <small><em>Sustained Control</em></small>

Rabbits Sustained Control

What we do: Through advice and contractor consultation, we support farmers in controlling their rabbit populations.

What we don't do: We don’t provide rabbit control on private land, but we can connect you with approved contractors for a free consultation.

Feral goats <small><em>Sustained Control</em></small>

Feral goats Sustained Control

What we do: In Feral Goat Coordinated Management Areas, we support land occupiers in controlling and reducing goat populations towards zero density.

What we don't do: We don’t do widespread or roadside goat control, but we can recommend contractors when needed.

Predators <small><em>Site-led Sustained Control</em></small>

Predators Site-led Sustained Control

What we do: We support land occupiers in controlling stoats, ferrets, weasels, and feral cats at sites of high biodiversity value and offer advice on best control methods.

What we don't do: We don’t provide hands-on predator control, but we can suggest control options, recommend trap providers, and guide you on how to get help.

Check out our pest hub for more information about pest and control methods.

Pests & Weeds Hub

Report pests to us

​We rely on Hawke's Bay residents to report unusual organisms so we can respond quickly. Whether you’re a landowner, lifestyle property owner, or urban resident, you may encounter pests that need attention at some point.

If you need help with pest control or want to report a pest, please visit our Pest Hub, where your report will go directly to our Biosecurity team.

Report the pest using our reporting form

Possum Control Area (PCA) programme

Due to ongoing Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work in Hawke’s Bay, the move to Regional Council-led possum control has been put on hold.

Possum control remains the responsibility of landowners.

You can find more information by reading our PCA Frequently Asked Questions list.

Possum Control Area FAQs

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Contact us

info@hbrc.govt.nz

+64 6 835 9200


159 Dalton Street. Napier 4110

Private Bag 6006, Napier 4142


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While every endeavour has been taken by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, Hawke's Bay Regional Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith. Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant government agencies. Hawke's Bay Regional Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content. Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced information or material is copyright to the respective provider.

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