Sun clears way for poison drop

DoC plans three poison drops. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Sunny weather opened the way for helicopters to begin dropping poison for rats and mice on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands on Friday as part of a four-month pest eradication scheme.

Department of Conservation Auckland area manager Brett Butland said staff had been waiting for a break in the weather to allow for two to three days of aerial application of rat bait - the first of three by the end of October.

Sheep, cattle and horses have been removed and the islands will be closed to visitors for a week after each drop.

DoC says restoration of the islands will pave the way for a 3800ha wildlife sanctuary for kaka, kiwi and takahe.

Stoats, wild cats, rabbits and hedgehogs will be removed later by trapping, shooting and using dogs.