Hunua Ranges Pest Mgmt Area 'to make significant difference'

The creation of a new pest management area in the Hunua Ranges will provide a sensible, holistic approach to the care and control of one of Aucklands most important ecological areas, according to Auckland Council.

A successful collaboration between the Auckland and Waikato regional councils has led to the creation of the Hunua Ranges Pest Management Area, which will unify the work being done to manage the area.

Comprising the Hunua Ranges regional parks (including Whakatiwai and Waharau) and an adjoining buffer area, a consistent pest management programme in the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) will now be implemented under the management of Auckland Council.

Auckland Council Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee Chairperson Councillor Wayne Walker says that the agreement is an important step towards improving care of the ranges.

"We are pleased that we have been able to work with Waikato Regional Council to enhance our commitment to caring for this incredibly important ecological and water catchment area," he says.

"This joined-up approach will mean that the residents of the area and the wider Auckland population can be assured that there is a comprehensive and efficient pest management plan in place.

"It will safeguard the future of the ranges from several invasive pests, including provisions to combat kauri dieback, better manage the feral pigs and goats that roam the ranges, through control and permitted hunting, and prevent feral deer establishing there.

"This will make a significant difference to the management of the area, and make pest management in the area more transparent and efficient," he says.

The agreement to create the management area stems from the 2010 boundary adjustments, which meant that each council became responsible for a part of the ranges.

Kevin Collins, Natural Heritage Programme Manager from Waikato Regional Council says that the unified approach was the best way forward.

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Hunua Ranges Pest Mgmt Area 'to make significant difference'