Hunting ballots
https://archive.gw.govt.nz/hunting-ballots
Hunting ballots
For up to date information about hunting in Greater Wellington's parks, visit our new website:
Greater Wellington runs hunting ballots in East Harbour Regional Park and Wainuiomata Water Collection Area/Orongorongos. In order to make this process easier for you, ballots have moved to an online system.
Read the FAQs below to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
How is the ballot run?
The ballots are run by an online, automated process. Successful applicants will receive an email identifying the block you have been allocated. If you choose to decline this block, then you will go back into the ballot for any remaining blocks. This does not guarantee you will receive another block. Once all blocks have been accepted or declined the ballot will be run again to fill any declined blocks. We have designed the system so you will not receive the same block again if you declined it.
Is there a cost?
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
There is a $20 non-refundable fee via internet banking if you are successful in getting a hunting block. It is free to enter the ballot.
East Harbour
No cost.
What are the dates and how many blocks are available?
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
There are ten Wainuiomata/Orongorongo blocks which are open for the following dates:
- 3 - 5 April
- 10 - 12 April
- 17 - 19 April
- 24 - 26 April
East Harbour
There is one East Harbour block, which is open for the following dates:
- 26 - 28 March
- 29 - 31 March
- 2 - 4 April
- 5 - 7 April
- 9 - 11 April
- 12 - 14 April
- 16 - 18 April
- 19 - 21 April
- 23 - 25 April
- 26 - 28 April
Where are the blocks in the parks?
Download the East Harbour hunting ballot blocks map
Download the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo hunting ballot blocks map
Does my nominated partner need a firearms licence?
As the block holder you are responsible to ensure that both the Firearms Acts and the Terms and Conditions you accepted to receive the hunting block are obeyed by you and your partner at all times.
What if I win a block and my nominated hunting partner can’t make that date or pulls out can I bring someone else?
You can change your nominated partner. However, you must let the parks team know as soon as possible so changes to your permit can be made. Please email parks@gw.govt.nz if you wish to change your hunting partner.
What bait/toxins are in the area?
For further toxin information please see our pest control map.
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
In October 2019 Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) was laid in the Water Collection Area to try combat the mast year and pest animal numbers. Hunting can resume four months after the control work. The bait has now de-toxified, carcases have fully degraded and ongoing monitoring will continue. For more information on this operation, see our brochure.
East Harbour
In October 2019 Ratabate strikers containing the toxin Diphacinone was deployed in bait stations in the mainland island area of East Harbour Regional Park. For more information and a map please click here. Brodifacoum, Diphacinone and Bromadialone baits are also used in East harbour regional park bait stations.
Do I need a 4WD?
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
Blocks 1-5 only require a 2WD.
Blocks 6-10 require a 4WD.
East Harbour
No vehicle access.
Will other people be present in my hunting block?
No, each block is dedicated to you for the dates specified on your permit.
I have heard that you send professional hunters in prior to the ballot, is this true?
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
Greater Wellington does employ professional hunters throughout the year. This is dependent on the schedules of the contractors, the park and also what numbers of pest animals are present.
Hunters were present in the hunting blocks in September 2019 and not due to be in the blocks again until May 2020. There will be some aerial hunting in February 2020 which will target goats and pigs specifically, however hunters must destroy any deer they encounter.
East Harbour
East Harbour Regional Park has professional hunters for 19 days of the year. These occur either in spring or autumn but not within the ballot time. This work is done to target deer and indicating dogs are used. Goats and pigs are destroyed if they are encountered.
Are dogs allowed?
No dogs are allowed in either balloted areas.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping allowed in either balloted areas.
What are the hours of hunting?
Wainuiomata/Orongorongo
5.30am till dusk. You must ensure you are out of the area by this time. Dusk time will be specified by the Ranger on the hazard ID board at sign in.
East Harbour
5.30am till 8pm. You must ensure you are out of the area by this time.
If you have any further question please email parks@gw.govt.nz
