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Rat control on Horohoro Maunga: October to December 2026

Tipu Environmental will be carrying out a ground-based rat control operation on Horohoro Maunga between 15 October and 15 December 2026. The operation uses bait stations containing pindone across approximately 486 hectares, to help protect native species such as the long-tailed bat (pekapeka-tou-roa) during nesting season.

Warning signs will be put up before the operation begins, and all bait will be removed by 31 December 2026. Signs will remain in place until there is no remaining risk.

While warning signs are up, please:

  • Do not touch bait
  • Watch children at all times
  • Do not eat animals from the area until the caution period is over
  • Keep dogs away, as baits and carcasses are deadly to dogs

If you suspect poisoning, contact your doctor, local hospital, the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766, or dial 111. For pets, seek veterinary advice immediately.

The full factsheet and a map of the operational area are available below.

Factsheet page 1: Rat Control on Horohoro Maunga, October 2026
Factsheet page 2: safety information and contacts
Factsheet page 3: map of the pesticide operational area on Horohoro Maunga

View the factsheet (PDF)

Any questions or comments can be directed to Kataraina George, Environment Manager at Tipu Environmental, via office@tipuenviro.nz.

Protecting the Pekapeka

Pest control like this operation is part of a much bigger kaupapa for our hapū. Horohoro Maunga has been home to Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara for over 500 years, and was once a dense forest of tōtara, kahikatea and rimu, rich with bird life. Logging in the 1900s, and the possums, rats, deer and pigs that followed, have taken a heavy toll on the maunga.

In this video, Tawhiri Morehu, Robyn Bargh, Kataraina George and Kyle Kiel share our vision to restore the forest to the way it was when our tūpuna first arrived. That includes protecting the long-tailed pekapeka, working towards a predator-free maunga, creating a corridor for kōkako to travel from Mokaihaha to Horohoro, and one day seeing kiwi return.

You can also read more about this mahi in our earlier story, Protecting the Pekapeka.

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