Pest control

Information on pest control activities in Dunedin.

Pest control in our parks and reserves

The Dunedin City Council's (DCC) pest control in our parks and reserves is conducted to protect the native vegetation and native fauna from browsing, die-back and predation.
Council-led pest control programmes
The DCC Parks and Recreation pest control contractors currently control the following pests in DCC's parks and reserves:
- Brushtail possum
- Rodents (ship rat and Norway rat)
- Mustelids (Stoat, Ferret, Weasel)
- Rabbit
- Goat
- Pig
- (European) wasps
Pest control operations are focused on areas with high-biodiversity values (such as native sea-bird colonies) or, in habitat that could support the re-establishment of native species that are vulnerable to predation. Targeted pest control is also conducted if there may be a risk to human safety (such as wasp colonies).
Collaborative pest control programmes

DCC is one of three Predator Free Dunedin (PFD) delivery partners that are working collaboratively to create a predator free Dunedin by 2050. Visit the Predator Free Dunedin website to find out more about this exciting collaboration.
As well as working closely with the two other PFD delivery partners, the DCC are managing the City Sanctuary Project. A core focus of the City Sanctuary Project is to establish a permanent, high-density multi-species (possums, rodents and mustelids) trapping network throughout Ross Creek, Craigieburn, Woodhaugh Garden, the Botanic Garden, Signal Hill, Dalmore Reserve, Chingford Park and the Town Belt. These trapping networks will be managed by a combination of DCC pest control contractors and volunteers.
You can find these trapping locations on the City Sanctuary website.
These networks will aim to reduce target pest numbers to levels that lead to a positive impact on our native flora and fauna. Monitoring of pest numbers and the health of the flora and fauna will also be conducted to measure the success of the control programme.
The traps being used are tree-mounted kill traps that are set and baited in a way that is safe for your pets and native wildlife. These are all labelled with a City Sanctuary trap label. If you see one of these traps, please do not touch them. If you have any concerns about the traps in these reserves, call the DCC or email info@citysanctuary.org.nz.
If you would like to know more about the City Sanctuary Project visit the City Sanctuary website.

Smaills Beach Reserve Rabbit Control Operation – Pindone

22 June – 6 July 2026

Dunedin City Council (DCC) contractors are undertaking a rabbit control operation to protect native biodiversity across the Smaills Beach Reserve.

The control method used is ground-based pindone carrots.

Warning signs have been placed across the area with detailed information about the toxin. All toxin will be deployed off main walking tracks and removed after the operation. Please keep dogs on lead across the area and if you suspect poisoning, please seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Smaills Beach Reserve rabbit control

Pindone laced carrots

Ground-based pindone carrots

Should you require further information please contact the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Dunedin Golf Club - Chisholm Links and Anderson Bay Cemetery Rabbit Control Operation – Pindone Pens

15 June - 6 July 2026

Dunedin City Council (DCC) contractors will be undertaking rabbit control at the Dunedin Golf Club - Chisholm Links, and the Anderson Bay Cemetery to help protect the grounds from rabbit damage.

This follows the successful pindone cage trial across the area in Winter 2025.

The control method used is BAIT PENS - pindone carrots will be deployed within cages to keep non-target animals out.

Rabbit control operation-bait-pens

Warning signs will placed at all main public entrances and on or around the pens with detailed information about the toxin.
All toxin will be deployed within the pens and removed after the operation. Contractors will visit the sites regularly to remove any carcasses.

Please do not touch the toxin. Please keep dogs on leash at all times. If you suspect your dog has consumed a poisoned rabbit or bait pellet, please contact your vet immediately. For more information about pindone, please click here.

Pen locations

Dunedin Golf Club and Andy Bay Cemetery pen locations

Pindone laced carrots

Ground-based pindone carrots

Should you require further information please contact the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Signal Hill rodent control programme

April 2026 - June 2028

Dunedin City Council (DCC) contractors are undertaking an intensive rodent control operation at Signal Hill Reserve.

The two introduced European rat species in New Zealand (Ship and Norway) pose a major threat to our native flora and fauna due to their rapid breeding rates, destructive foraging behaviours and appetites.

Rodent bait stations containing Double Tap are situated off all main public walking tracks within the reserve. Bait is secured within the locked stations preventing spillage.

Double Tap is a unique, cost-effective and fast-acting toxic bait that is highly palatable for rats. It is a combination of Diphacinone, and Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).

Please do not touch the bait stations.

Warning signs are placed at all reserve entry points.

Risks to dogs

Whilst the risk to dogs is low, please ensure you:

Keep them on a lead around bait stations
Do not allow them to scavenge dead animals or baits
Stick to main walking tracks

If you suspect your dog has consumed bait, seek urgent veterinary advice.

Environmental effects

Double Tap residues are unlikely to be found in water as bait is placed inside bait stations and clear from streams and waterways. Cholecalciferol does not persist in the environment at all, while Diphacinone is a ‘low residue’ compound.

Should you require further information please contact the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Flagstaff rodent control operation

March 2025 - March 2028

Contractors are undertaking an intensive rodent control operation across 10 hectares of the Flagstaff Scenic Reserve to help protect the native biodiversity within the area.

The operational area spans from the Firebreak Track and Pineapple Track near the top of Flagstaff and the Ben Rudd Panorama and Seat.

The control methods used are rodent snap traps and diphacinone bait blocks contained in bait boxes to ensure the safety of non-target species. Warning signs have been placed across the area with detailed information about the toxin. All devices are located off main walking tracks.

Please do not touch the control devices.

Aerial map depicting area of Flagstaff where rodent control operation taking place

Sign with skull and cross bones warning of poison. Do not touch, watch children, bait is toxic to dogs. If consumed seek medical assistance

Should you require further information please contact the DCC on 03 477 4000 or High Country Contracting on 0274 427 9633.

This operation is proudly supported by Predator Free Dunedin.

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