This message has been provided to Waitaki District Council by the Department of Conservation. All enquiries should be directed to DOC.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has granted a new Permission for ground-based vertebrate toxin and kill trap operations to continue for the control and reduction of possum numbers in the Ōhau Forests. There is no change to the operational methods or conditions that have been previously applied during these ongoing operations.
As during previous possum control operations in the Ōhau Forests the vertebrate toxin permitted for these upcoming operations is Feratox cyanide which contains an encapsulated cyanide pellet within each bait.
Possum control is planned to start soon after 18 August 2025 and will continue for the duration of the respective DOC and Public Health Permissions. Operations will occur in the forested and sub-alpine areas of the Temple Streams, Huxley River Valley, and the Hopkins and Dobson River Valleys. These areas are collectively known as the Ōhau Forests.
The new DOC Permission is for a five-year period (2025-2030) and will require renewal in 2030. The MOH Public Health Permission will require renewal in 2026.
Only ground based control operation methods will be used. These will primarily involve the use of Feratox cyanide in bio-degradable bait bags stapled to trees and kill traps. The pesticide used in these operations is poisonous to humans and domestic animals.
Warning signs will be installed at normal points of entry to all operational areas prior to operations beginning.
The Department advises that any persons entering the operational area observe the following guidelines:
DO NOT touch any bait.
WATCH CHILDREN at all times.
DO NOT bring DOGS into this area.
DO NOT touch bait stations.
DO NOT touch kill traps.
Please observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides or traps.
If at any stage you have concerns about the ground-based use of Feratox, or how we are using this toxin, then please do not hesitate to contact the Te Manahuna Twizel Office.
Fact Sheet: Ōhau Forests Notification Fact Sheet 2025(PDF, 1MB)