To eliminate stoats from the island, we need to trap all the larger properties on the island. Gaining access to these properties is critical to the project. If we can’t trap one property, there will be stoats there that will continue to breed, defeating all the work elsewhere on the island. You may have read recently about the D’Urville Island project being placed in hibernation because there were some properties where they could not gain access for trapping. See this stuff article.
The funding organisations are very aware of the issue, and often it is a condition of funding that written property access consents are attached to the funding application.
We are very aware that property owners have often chosen to live on the island to get away from everyone, and they don’t want strangers wandering all over their land. So to help alleviate this concern, we will:
• Consider it a privilege to have access to this property, and not abuse this privilege.
• Respect the owner and their rights.
• Only access this property for trapping, monitoring, maintenance operations and for no other purpose including hunting or walking.
• Only access tracks and trap lines agreed with the owner/agent.
• Only trap and/or kill stoats and rodents – no goats, pigs, deer or other animals.
• Advise the owner/agent by email at least 1 week prior to access. No access outside of the agreed timeframe.
• Get permission from the owner/agent prior to any major track maintenance or cutting new access tracks or accessing non tracked areas or cutting / felling any trees or shrubs or using any machinery.
• Not carry any firearms of any type (including bows) or bring any dogs on to this property.
• Provide regular updates and newsletters as to the project progress and numbers of animals trapped on owner’s land.
• Maintain and observe a comprehensive health and safety policy.
• Hold public liability insurance.
As well as this, we will endeavour to employ locals for the trapping. We will not be using volunteers on private property, without permission.
With the introduction of kiwi, there will be no restrictions on the property owner on how they can use their land. We will be introducing a dog policy, but it won’t in any way restrict dog ownership or use. We will not be banning dogs (or cats). We will go into more on that topic in next months newsletter.
As mentioned before, access is critical for this project, and if the owner is still concerned, there are other options available and we may still be able to come to a mutually acceptable solution so the property is still trapped.
For more information please contact admin@arapaoakiwi.org.nz
For property owners, our permission form is available for you here.