A proposal to carry out two aerial toxic control operations in the Kaweka Forest Park in 2027 is currently being consulted on.

The proposed operations fall within part of the Sika Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) area and are part of New Zealand’s bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication programme led by OSPRI. These operations are targeting possums, which are a main carrier and transmitter of TB.

While the NZ Game Animal Council (GAC) supports efforts to eradicate TB, our position in relation to these operations is that action should be taken to avoid impacts on hunting, game animals, their management, and their availability as a valued public resource in the Sika HOSI area.

We are engaging with OSPRI on the proposed operations and acknowledge the steps they are proposing to reduce potential impacts within the Sika HOSI area, including scheduling work outside the peak hunting period, and the use of deer repellent.

The GAC will continue to work with OSPRI to find solutions that avoid impacts on hunting and the sika herd, including making a submission on their proposed National Aerial Operations Plan 2027.

It will be important to establish long-term TB eradication strategies that avoid impacts on hunter and game animal values in HOSI areas.

Context

The Kaweka Forest Park has been identified as a reservoir of TB infection since 1992, and by using DNA sequencing of infection from cattle lesions (and the discovery of three new infections within the last 12 months), OSPRI has identified that TB infection is present in the entire Kaweka Forest Park area. The proposed operations seek to stop the spread of TB into livestock in Hawke’s Bay, and further afield.

Operational area

Proposed 2027 Kaweka aerial control operations with Sika HOSI overlay

TB risk for hunters

Tuberculosis (TB) presents a risk to hunters and dogs should it be present in wild deer or pigs. While the risk is small, hunters can get TB when cutting up infected wild pigs or deer. Dogs can also get infected with TB.

Impact on deer

Aerial 1080 operations can cause significant deer bykill and is not approved for targeting of deer.

OSPRI is proposing to use deer repellent for at least one of the proposed 2027 Kaweka operations. A deer repellent trial was undertaken in Kaweka Forest Park in 2022, and it was found to be effective at reducing bykill of sika following an aerial 1080 application.

Impact on hunting

1080 operations prevent hunters from safely harvesting meat for consumption for at least four months from application, irrespective of whether deer repellent is used. This applies to the operational area, as well as a two-kilometre buffer surrounding it.

1080 also poses a long-term risk to hunting dogs which are highly susceptible to secondary poisoning from carcasses and skeletal remains.

Hunter views

The use of 1080 is one of the top three concerns raised by hunters. The Central North Island sika herd is highly valued for its provision of meat to hunters and the local community. The GAC will provide a submission reflecting these views.

We will continue to engage with OSPRI to advocate for minimising impacts on game animals and hunting, while supporting efforts to eradicate TB, ensure that appropriate communications and signage prior to any confirmed operations is carried out, and look to support the development of long-term TB eradication strategies that avoid impacts on hunting and game animals in HOSI areas.

More information

Hunters should check the DOC pesticide summary map before every hunt to ensure that any meat harvested is safe for consumption. They can also stay up to date by following the GAC and Sika Foundation on social media.