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The aerial operation for the control of feral animals has been planned and the helicopter is already on the Island. The work was expected to start on Monday 24 June for a period of 4-8 weeks.
This work is being led by Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI) and information about this can be found below.
Operation to reduce feral animals on Chatham Island [PDF, 322 KB]
The aerial operation being funded by MPI to control feral animals started at the end of June and is being carried out by Precision Helicopters.
We’d like to thank landowners who have worked with us to identify property boundaries and the location of animals. Pest control work is only occurring on properties where landowners have given their permission.
Precision Helicopters has managed to get 52 flying hours (as of 14 July) since the start of the operation. This has enabled control work to be carried out in:
Over the coming weeks, control work will shift to:
The safety of residents, visitors, and the Precision Helicopters team is paramount. Flying is weather dependent. We expect the operation will continue for another four weeks. We are reviewing the operation as it progresses.
We are working with Environment Canterbury, Precision Helicopters, and the local community, including iwi and imi, to reduce any environmental impacts. The aerial team has been mustering feral livestock away from waterways prior to control. Any carcasses near waterways are being removed by helicopter.
If you have questions, please contact MPI’s On Farm Support regional manager Blair Shaw at blair.shaw@mpi.govt.nz or on 027 280 3083, or compliance and response project manager Murray Pridham at murray.pridham@mpi.govt.nz or on 027 433 0058.
MPI’s On Farm Support regional manager is on the island until 8 August 2024. He’s available to have practical discussions with farmers on a range of topics, including feed budgeting and planning.
With delays to the shipping service, livestock has not been able to leave the Island as planned. This, along with the number of feral animals around is putting extra pressure on the amount of feed available. MPI have secured Central Government funding for this work to occur now.
It is unfortunate timing that the barge that was bringing fuel and gas tanks was turned around. The helicopter operation was already planned and was reliant on the availability of the Air Force Hercules. Helicopters run on different fuel than what is used here on the Island, so they won’t be using any fuel that Islanders could benefit from.
If you are an affected landowner, you will have been notified of the upcoming operation. For locals, if you see the helicopter working, please stay clear of the area. We take the health and safety of our crew and the community very seriously. Signs will be posted where necessary.
Yes – priority will be given to the aerial culling of feral animals, but if the helicopter can fit in additional work, then they are more than happy to do so.
Precision Helicopters is undertaking the work and can be contacted by phone: 0800 435 448 or email: sales@precisionhelicopters.co.nz. Precision Helicopters will invoice you directly for any work done.
Not this time, the helicopter has not brought across its spray equipment. Theweather is too marginal at this time of year to undertake successful aerial spray work.
