About the project
Wellington City Council has engaged Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) to undertake Pindone rabbit control operations at Mākara Cemetery and on grazing land in the Outer Green Belt/Skyline reserves.
Mākara Cemetery is currently experiencing significant damage to its grounds – wild rabbits are burrowing under headstones and having a wider negative impact on the cemetery’s natural environment.
In 2024, a Pindone operation was run across the Outer Green Belt reserves but some areas were unable to be treated at the time. By working with landowners and local stakeholders, we're now able to target a significant area of grazing land in the Skyline Walkway (Mount Kaukau).
Our usual control methods (night hunting) are ineffective for the rabbit population growth we're currently experiencing. These operations will make a significant contribution to retaining and restoring nature in the city, as well as allowing us to provide high quality cemetery services.
The bait will be distributed by hand across the area in the form of diced carrots coated with Pindone solution. The carrots are also dyed green to deter birds from eating them.
You can still visit the cemetery and Skyline Walkway – there are no changes to public access because of the operations. They're low risk for humans, dogs, birds, and wildlife if you follow the standard rules and advice:
- Do not touch baits or carcasses
- Always supervise children
- Keep your dog on a lead at all times
- Do not allow dogs to scavenge
- Stick to official tracks.
Timeframe
The operations are expected to begin on Monday 19 May 2025 and Pindone will continue to be applied to the operational areas through to the end of June.
We recommend extra precaution when visiting the Mākara Cemetery and the Skyline reserves for 8 months after the last application of bait. Warning signs will remain in place throughout this period – until approximately March 2026.
Operational areas
Mākara Cemetery
The operation taking place at Mākara Cemetery includes select areas of the grounds (not leased land), with signage indicating where bait has been laid.
There will be caution signage posted at all access points and gates.
Dogs must be kept on lead and under control, as per the Wellington Animal Bylaw 2024 and regular guidelines at the cemetery.
Map of Mākara Cemetery operation (1.60MB PDF)
Skyline Walkway reserve
The operation taking place in the Skyline Walkway reserve area (Mount Kaukau) includes grazing land that is owned by Wellington City Council. The grazing land will not be fenced, and there are no changes to public access to tracks.
Pindone will be applied in specific, small sites that will be exclusion fenced, keeping out stock and average-sized dogs. Small animals may still get through the fencing. All dogs must be kept on lead and under control, as per the Wellington Animal Bylaw 2024.
Map of Skyline reserves operation (2.2MB PDF)
Keeping your pets safe
Dogs must always be on a leash on the skyline walkway. Remain vigilant and do not let your dog eat any bait or carcasses during the operation and following months. We recommend keeping a short lead (2 metres) and making sure you have a strong hold.
The Pindone bait will be at least 5 metres away from official tracks. It will not be laid along any of the tracks or paths, or in any off-leash areas.
A large quantity of Pindone would need to be consumed for animals such as cats and dogs, to suffer poisonous effects. The risk of secondary poisoning to pets is also low due to most rabbits retreating to their burrows whilst in the later stages of Pindone take effect.
After Pindone exposure, symptoms may be delayed by several days; these may include nausea and vomiting, as well as bleeding gums, excessive bleeding from minor cuts, blood in urine or faeces, bruising easily, difficulty moving, shock, and coma.
If you know or suspect your pet has consumed toxic bait or a carcass, contact your vet immediately. A Vitamin K1 shot can be administered by a vet as an effective antidote in the early stages of poisoning. Local vets have been informed of the operation.
Kiwi and other wildlife
The carrot baits are dyed green or blue to deter birds and other native wildlife from eating it. Kiwi are insectivores and will not be attracted to the bait.
Even if they were to consume it, Pindone is a mammalian toxin, and birds have far greater resistance to the toxin than rabbits. We have consulted with our partners at Capital Kiwi and other experts to confirm the risk to kiwi is very low.
If you do encounter sick or injured native wildlife, please contact the Department of Conservation (DOC):
Phone: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
Website: doc.govt.nz
If you find a rabbit carcass
To ensure your health and safety, please do not handle any rabbit carcasses. You can log the location of the carcass via our FIXiT form, and a professional will dispose of the carcass appropriately.
Please ensure to be as precise as possible when entering the location so our staff can easily find it. If taking photos, it is useful to add a photo taken from a distance to help our staff identify the location.
Background
Rabbit numbers have soared in Wellington recently and are causing significant impact on our natural environment. Wild rabbits consume native vegetation and regenerating bush, alter habitats, and cause erosion.
In response to these issues, and at the request of the local community, Wellington City Council and GWRC run a larger Pindone rabbit control operation across the Wellington Skyline in May 2024. That operation resulted in a 70% decrease in rabbit numbers in the area.
Pindone is most effective when rabbit populations are at high densities in treatment areas. Pindone is a slow-acting anticoagulant toxin that is lethal to rabbits when ingested over time. By embedding pindone into carrots, it becomes an appealing bait for rabbits, increasing the likelihood of consumption. Rabbits are the species known to be the most susceptible to Pindone.
Contact us
This operation is being carried out by biosecurity experts from Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). If you have any questions about the operation, please contact GWRC:
Email: pest.animals@gw.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 496 734