Auckland Council is pleased with the decision by the Environment Court released on 21 September confirming that it can go ahead with its planned 1080 operation in the Hunua Ranges.
“The court is satisfied that an extensive consultation programme has been undertaken by the council and DOC to engage with those people who have the potential to be adversely affected by the proposed operation,” says Mace Ward, Auckland Council General Manager Parks, Sport and Recreation.
“The court was not persuaded that there is likely to be serious harm to the environment if the application proceeds,” he says.
“In undertaking the operation, we are extremely cognisant that compliance with the conditions and authorisations to allow the operation to be carried out, will be met at every step.”
Ward says this operation is vital to protect biodiversity in Kohukohunui, home to a range of threatened bird and plant species, including the only naturally occurring population of endangered native kōkako.
“We are now looking at plans to commence the operation soon, as weather permits,” he says.
In addition to the Hunua Ranges regional parklands and adjoining DOC administered reserves (including Mataitai), bait will also be applied to the private land where landowners have given permission.
Visit the Hunua Project OurAuckland page, or the Auckland Council website for further updates on the operation in the coming days.
