Pest and wasp control operations

Details of pest control activities to be carried out by DOC or Vector Free Marlborough will be posted here as we receive them.

Notification of aerial toxin application - St Arnaud Range predator control operation

Vector Free Marlborough (VFM) wishes to advise landowners and other interested parties that it will be commencing the aerial application of toxin Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) for the St Arnaud Range predator control operation from Dawn on 5 May 2025.

Aerial application of of toxin Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is expected to take one full day of flying to complete subject to weather. Should conditions prove unsuitable, work will begin at the first opportunity thereafter. Further notification will be provided in the event of an extended delay occurring.

Description of Area 

The St Arnaud Range project area is in Nelson Lakes National Park and Howard Conservation Area.

The project area takes in the western side of the St Arnaud Range adjoining Lake Rotoiti and includes the greater part of the Travers Valley. The Sabine Valley will be treated along with the Speargrass Valley up to the eastern side of Lake Rotoroa. The upper altitudinal limit of toxin application will depend on the presence of snow at the time.

The nearest settlement is St Arnaud Village, which is located approximately one kilometre from the edge of the operational area.

A map of the St Arnaud Range aerial control boundary is attached on the rear of the fact sheet. (pdf 1.2 MB)

Public access and recreational facilities

Toxin Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) will be aerially applied onto tracks in the St Arnaud Range operational area. Although tracks will not be closed, we recommend that visitors do not use the tracks until the operation is complete. 

DOC huts identified in the operational area are Relax and Bush Hedge Shelters, Bushline Hut, Coldwater Hut, Lakehead Hut, Angelus Hut, Hopeless Hut, John Tait Hut, Cupola Hut, Upper Travers Hut, West Sabine Hut, Sabine Hut, and Speargrass Hut. Private infrastructure identified in the operational area are the Mt Robert Foundation Buildings, and Kea Hut.

Advisory signage will be in place at track entrances immediately prior to the application of the prefeed bait.

Commencement date

Control in the St Arnaud Range operational area is scheduled to commence from Dawn on 5 May 2025, with the aerial application of toxic cereal pellets containing biodegradable Sodium fluoroacetate (1080), dyed green. In addition to aerial methods, supplemental ground control, using hand-laid 1080 pellets, may be undertaken around sensitive areas and other places unsuitable for aerial methods.

All work is weather dependent, and commencement may be later than indicated. In the event of an extended delay, further notices will be placed to advise the public.

Bait Description 

Aerial and ground control using 1080:

  • Toxic bait - Cereal-based pellet, approximately 16 mm long, cinnamon-lured and dyed green with a toxic loading of 0.15% Sodium fluoroacetate (1080).

The aerial operation will use helicopters equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware and calibrated buckets to ensure accurate placement.

Precautions

The pesticide is poisonous to humans and domestic animals. The public are reminded of the danger that toxic baits and possum carcasses pose, particularly to children and dogs.
• DO NOT TOUCH OR EAT BAITS
• Children must be kept under strict supervision in the control area
• DEADLY TO DOGS. Dogs must be kept under strict control at all times and not have access to, or be taken into, the control area, as they are particularly susceptible to harm from contact with toxic baits and poisoned carcasses. The risk that poisoned carcasses pose to dogs may extend downstream of the control area.
• Toxin warning signs will be installed at main public entry points and the public are reminded that it is an offence to remove this warning signage. Please follow the instructions on the signs.
• Game animals should not be sold or taken for eating from within or adjacent to this area until it is declared clear of pesticides.

If you suspect poisoning
Contact your local hospital, or dial 111
National Poisons Centre 0800 POISON - 0800 764 766
In the case of a domestic animal being poisoned, contact a local veterinarian