1080 operations

The biggest threat to native wildlife in the Wellington Region is introduced predators such as rats, possums and stoats.

We face a choice; let predators reach out of control numbers, or manage them to protect our native species, primary production sector and social wellbeing.

Current 1080 operations

Wainuiomata/Orongorongo 1080 operation – Winter 2025

Greater Wellington and Wellington Water Limited are planning to undertake an aerial possum control operation in the Wainuiomata Regional Park and the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Water Collection Area, using the pesticide, sodium fluoroacetate (1080). We are planning to carry out the operation during suitable weather conditions from Late April 2025 onwards.

The operational area covers approximately 7,200 hectares, located in the Remutaka Ranges, east of Wainuiomata (see map below). The area includes the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Water Collection Area, where no public access is permitted, and Wainuiomata Regional Park. 

All land within the approved operational area is owned by Greater Wellington. Most of it is managed as a source of water for treatment and supply to Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt cities.

OSPRI NZ had approval to undertake an aerial 1080 operation in this area in 2024. However, this operation did not proceed due to unsuitable weather conditions.

The key objective for this proposed 1080 operation is to preserve one of our most important Key Native Ecosystem (KNE) sites in the region by removing possums, as well as rats and stoats.

The Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Water Collection Area is is made up of one of the largest and most pristine lowland forests in the lower North Island. It is also a significant habitat for native bird species such as tītipounamu (rifleman), kākāriki, pōpokatea (whitehead), koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo) and kiwi, all of which are threatened by possums.

For more information, read the operation factsheet: 

Reducing possum numbers in the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Forest

Important information – 1080 possum control operation

Greater Wellington and Wellington Water Limited (WWL) are undertaking an aerial possum control operation in the Wainuiomata Regional Park and the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Water Collection… Read more here

date_range Published 21 May 2025

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February 2025 – Northern Remutaka Ranges 

Update: Operation completed 22 February 2025.

On Saturday 22 February, an aerial application of 1080 was completed by OSPRI in the Northern Remutaka Ranges, covering parts of Pākuratahi Forest.

The purpose of this operation is to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) from possums to farmed cattle and deer. The use of 1080 also has additional biodiversity benefits for native birds and bush and is extremely effective at controlling other introduced predators such as stoats and ship rats.

Hunting and dog walking will be prohibited at Mt Climie, parts of Tunnel Gully and the Remutaka Cycle Trail for up to six months.

Caution is advised when visiting other areas. Always keep your dog on a lead. 

Signage will be erected around key access points such as walking and cycle tracks. Please check the signage if you are in the area.

• Do not touch poison baits.
• Watch children at all times.
• Do not eat animals.
• 1080 baits and carcasses are deadly to dogs. Do not let your dog scavenge. If consumption is suspected, seek veterinarian help immediately.

Read the 1080 and dogs guide below.

Once signs have been removed, this means you can resume normal activities in these areas. 

For more information about the Northern Remutaka 1080 operation, view OSPRI’s factsheet.

Using 1080

The biodegradable pesticide sodium fluoroacetate (or 1080) is one of the many methods we use to manage the array of predators within the Wellington Region. 1080 has been proven over many years to reduce predator numbers safely, with no adverse impact on the environment or human health.

We use aerial 1080 for controlling predators in areas which are rugged and/or hard to reach, making them difficult to control through other forms of ground control.

What we know about 1080

• It is highly soluble and does not accumulate or leave permanent residues in soil, water or animals
• It is found in many plants around the world including New Zealand’s native puha
• Bird nesting success rate dramatically improves after the use of 1080
• Many native trees and plant species show significantly better growth and survival after an aerial 1080 operation
• It does not kill or harm fish
• Local health authorities apply strict conditions to aerial operations so that drinking water supplies are not contaminated and that the public is informed when and where operations are to be undertaken
• Its safety has been confirmed through testing water samples following 1080 aerial operations. Several thousand samples have been tested over many years

Planning and permissions

Operations are subject to strict safety, quality-assurance and monitoring requirements. Helicopters are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational technology to ensure bait is accurately placed within agreed operational areas, and identified ‘exclusion zones’ are avoided.

The use of 1080 requires consent from the Medical Officer of Health (MOH). It also must comply with both the Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Act and the Resource Management Act.

Control method

First, non-toxic tan-coloured “pre-feed” cereal pellets are sown by helicopter. This gives possums a taste for cereal pellets, encouraging them to consume the 1080 pellets sown at a later date making the operation more effective.

About seven to ten days after the non-toxic pellets are sown, helicopters will sow cereal pellets containing the biodegradable pesticide sodium fluoroacetate (1080).

Why are we using 1080?

Aerial control is particularly suited for large areas with rugged terrain. 1080 is a highly effective, cost-efficient and safe method of controlling mammalian pests, particularly possums, rats and stoats.

Rats will die when they consume possum baits, while stoats will be killed when they consume the carcasses of poisoned rats and possums. A reduction in these introduced predators will further protect native plants and birds.

In June 2011, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment strongly endorsed the continued use of 1080 in New Zealand.

Safe drinking water

1080 is an organic, water soluble and biodegradable substance that is readily broken down by bacteria and other micro-organisms in the environment. Local health authorities apply strict conditions to aerial operations so that drinking water supplies are not contaminated. Safety has been confirmed by tests on several thousand water samples taken after aerial 1080 operations over many years.