The largest Deer and Goat Management Programme in Aotearoa

For more than a century, the introduction of deer and goats has profoundly effected the native ecosystem of the Raukūmara.

Introduced in the 1950’s for sport, Deer have flourished in the absence of natural predators. This unchecked growth has led to rapidly increasing deer populations across the Raukūmara. Their consumption of native plants on the forest floor and ring barking is causing severe damage to rākau such as Tōtara, Rimu and Tawa, diminishing food sources for taonga species, and disrupting the entire ecosystem.

Similarly, goats, introduced in 1909 for farming purposes, have thrived in New Zealand's environment without natural controls. Their intensive browsing has severely depleted native vegetation and compromised soil stability.

In their native environments, Deer and Goats are controlled by natural predators and ecosystem balance. In Aotearoa, however, their unchecked expansion poses significant threats to ecological health, requiring effective management strategies to mitigate their impact and preserve the integrity of our unique Raukūmara ecosystem.

An Iwi led response:

In December 2021, the Raukūmara Pae Maunga Deer and Goat Management Programme was launched to lower deer and goat populations across 73,000 hectares of native ngahere. This initiative aims to restore ecological balance and support the regeneration of the forest

Guardians of the Raukūmara: Local Experts Dedicated to Restoring Our Forest

Our control efforts, carried out by skilled men and women who whakapapa to the Raukūmara, are focused on reducing Deer and Goat populations to very low levels. This approach aims to rejuvenate the understory, restore the forest’s natural functions, and support the overall health of our Ngahere.

Because the Ngahere is a part of us; we have a tuakana-teina relationship, and it is our responsibility as the teina to care for our tuakana, as well as its tamariki, the birds, the trees, and ngā taonga katoa o te wao nui a Tāne.”

Combining Aerial and Ground Strategies to Manage Deer and Goat Populations

Our Deer and Goat Management Programme uses a combination of aerial and ground control methods to manage populations effectively. For challenging terrain where ground hunting is unsafe, we rely on aerial shooting supported by advanced technologies such as thermal imagery. Our helicopter operators, who are locals with many years of experience flying in the Raukūmara rugged landscape, use high-tech equipment and firearms to ensure precise control from the air.

On the ground, highly skilled Deer and Goat Ground Hunters, accompanied by trained wild animal detection dogs, carry out targeted hunts. This approach is supported by local knowledge and expertise, enhancing the effectiveness of the control efforts.

The Raukūmara is divided into aerial control units and ground hunting blocks, facilitating efficient management and execution of the programme across the varied terrain.

Timeframes and Safety Information:

Operational Timeline and Location

The Deer and Goat Management Programme in the Raukūmara began on July 1, 2024, and will continue until June 30, 2025. Both aerial shooting and ground hunting will take place throughout this period.

Location and Notifications

Operational maps are provided below for detailed reference. Notifications will be sent to all adjacent landowners to keep them informed of ongoing activities.

Safety Reminder

Aerial and ground hunting will occur at various times during this period. Recreational hunters in the area are encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of active operations.

The Benefits of Aerial Shooting and Ground Hunting in the Raukūmara

Aerial shooting and ground hunting have been strategically selected as the most effective methods for Deer and Goat Management due to their efficiency and suitability for several key reasons:

Minimal Impact on Native Species: Both methods have little to no impact on our native taonga species, ensuring their protection.

Access to Difficult Terrain: Aerial shooting allows us to manage areas with steep, rugged terrain that are inaccessible by foot.

Targeted Control: Ground hunting enables us to focus on specific areas and increase detection rates.

Cost-Effectiveness: These methods offer a cost-effective solution to managing deer and goat populations.

High Capture Rate: These techniques are technically sustainable, achieving a high capture rate with minimal escape.

Operational Planning and Standards

The Raukūmara Pae Maunga Deer and Goat Programme adheres to the Department of Conservation’s Standard Operating Procedures and best practices for deer and goat control. To ensure the highest quality management standards, the programme follows a rigorous internal approval process. This process includes a comprehensive operations plan, a thorough risk assessment, and the implementation of strategies to manage those risks before approvals are granted.

Ongoing communication and engagement are central to the programme, addressing concerns and needs related to the operational methods and timing. This fact sheet serves as an additional public notification to keep everyone informed.

What You Need to Know: Ensuring Safety During the Operation

The methods used for Deer and Goat control involve activities that can pose risks to recreational hunters and their dogs. To ensure safety during this period, please follow these guidelines:

Wear High-Visibility Gear: Ensure you are wearing hi-vis clothing if you are in or near the operational area.

Stay Informed: Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates and notifications.

Avoid the Operational Areas: Stay clear of designated management units and blocks.

Notify us if you plan to enter the operational area:

George Cooper

Deer and Goat Manager

gcooper@doc.govt.nz

or

Moana Mato

Deer and Goat Ground Supervisor

mmato@doc.govt.nz