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.

Dunedin City Council Ungulate Control Programme

04 September – 19 December 2026

The Dunedin City Council has contracted Rentokil Rural and Environmental Services (High Country Contracting) to undertake intensive ungulate control operations across the following DCC Reserves:

Silverstream
Swampy Sumit
Mount Cargill
Chingford’s Bush
Mihiwaka

The programme aims to protect native forests and preserve the health of these ecosystems, which are home to an increasing diversity of native flora and fauna and are of high recreational use value. Goats, pigs, deer, and wild cattle will be targeted during this programme.

The following control methods will be used:

Hunters – firearms and hunting dogs
Thermal and drone technology
Pig traps/nets
No toxins will be used during the programme.

All operations will take place during weekdays, both during the day and night.

Public Access

All listed reserves and tracks shall remain open to the public throughout the programme; however, caution is advised during hunting operations.

Signage will be mounted at all main entrances prior to commencement of operations for each of the sites, including the date range of operations.

Shooting in Progress signs and road cones will be clearly visible at each of the sites when an operation is taking place.

Operational Schedule

Date range	Area
04 September – 11 September 2026	Swampy Summit / Silverstream
19 October – 14 November 2026	Mount Cargill
19 October – 14 November 2026	Mihiwaka
19 October – 19 December 2026	Swampy Summit / Silverstream

Dunedin City Council Ungulate Control Programme 04 September – 19 December 2026

For any queries, please contact 027 237 4425 or the Dunedin City Council on 021 238 8554 or email pests@dcc.govt.nz

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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