Rats!

The rat that had been sighted on Rakino Island on 11 March has not yet been located.

The Department of Conservation, supported by the Auckland Regional Council, has led a response to this sighting which has seen a significant operation put in place in an attempt to locate and trap the rat. DOC has had three staff on the island since Friday 14 March. They will continue to have a number of staff on the Island in the coming week/s. There have been 250 traps set in the general area of Sandy Bay, Home Bay, South Pacific Road (South end) and Golden Heights bush escarpment. These traps are identified by a red “corflute” cover. The trap is located under this and pegged to the ground with wire. They are baited with a non toxic formula. No poison has been distributed around the Island.

A large number of these traps have been set on private property in the area mentioned above. They are not hidden and if there is one on your property it will be obvious. Unfortunately given the urgency of the situation it has not been possible to consult with all persons affected. If you have any issues in relation to the traps please see me, I will be on the island from Thursday night. These traps will be checked daily by myself.

Please do not tamper with any traps you see around the Island, it is important pressure is maintained on this rat. If you see anyone tampering with any traps please mention to them how important it is that they are left untouched. PLEASE TREAT ALL TRAPS AS SET AND DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILDREN WHAT THEY ARE AND WHY THEY ARE THERE. Please keep pets under control near the traps.

The traps in the immediate area of the jazz festival will be deactivated on Saturday morning and reset on Saturday night, once again please treat all traps as set.

Please try not to leave alternative food sources for the rat in an accessible location.

I will be asking fullers to alert passengers on the ferry on Saturday to the situation upon leaving Auckland and again just prior to arrival at Rakino. Please discuss this email with your neighbours in case they have not seen it.

Capturing this rat is an expensive and difficult exercise, and we are very fortunate to have DOC and the ARC right behind us on this.

Any issues or questions please call in on the island (bach with flagpole on Woody Bay Rd) or catch me as I am going around the island checking the traps.

Many thanks

John MacKenzie

rakinoisland@xtra.co.nz