Akatarawa Forest aerial 1080 operation

Greater Wellington is seeking feedback on the potential effects of a proposed aerial 1080 operation in Akatarawa Regional Park.

This operation is proposed to commence late autumn to early winter 2026, and is part of our ongoing regional pest management programme aimed at reducing possum and rat populations to protect native forest ecosystems, birds, and other wildlife. The proposed control area includes sections of the Akatarawa Forest that have a history of possum control using aerially applied biodegradable 1080 cereal bait.

The use of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) for pest control is regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, and operations are carried out under permissions from Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).

We are consulting specifically on the environmental, social, and operational effects of the proposed activity. This includes potential effects on:

• Neighbouring land uses and livestock management

• Recreation and public access to the park during and after the operation

• Water quality and aquatic environments

We invite feedback from the community and stakeholders to help us identify any potential effects, risks, or local considerations that should be taken into account before the operation proceeds.

Please see the proposed operation fact sheet under the IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS tab in the right hand column.

Your input will help ensure that this pest control operation is planned and carried out responsibly, with appropriate safeguards in place to protect people, animals, and the environment.

Consultation will close on the 20th Febuary 2026.