Published: 14 May, 2025
Oruawairua/ Blumine Island - Aerial Deer Control
Blumine Island/Ōruawairua is one of several predator-free motu in Tōtaranui
and is open to the public.
and is open to the public.
Ōruawairua offers an opportunity for the critically endangered species once
widespread throughout Aotearoa to breed and exist without predation.
The motu is home to the Kākāriki karaka / Orange-fronted Parakeet, which was
first translocated to the island in 2011 and 2012. These birds are classified as
“nationally critical,” and the species is at a high risk of extinction.
Ōruawairua is home to the world’s rarest kiwi species, the Rowi. The island plays
a crucial role in the Rowi breeding program, where pairs and chicks are relocated
from the West Coast to take advantage of its warmer, nutrient-rich soils for
breeding and conditioning.
The South Island Tīeke / Saddleback reached the brink of extinction last century,
and today’s birds are descended from 36 saddlebacks rescued in 1964. This
species was first translocated to Ōruawairua in 2009, and you can still hear their
distinct calls in the island’s Ngahere today.
NOTICE OF AERIAL DEER CULLING OPERATION
You may be aware that in the past, there have been issues with deer that swim
to Ōruawairua.
Over recent years, DOC has removed nearly 100 deer from the motu!
The impact of the deer was becoming very evident, as their bark biting was
killing some of the rākau on the motu. DOC has had good results removing deer
using thermal aerial control methodology (shooting from a helicopter using
thermal identification devices), so they plan to check the island for deer using
this technique within the upcoming weeks. Deer located will be shot.
This work will likely occur in the early morning or evening, when temperature
differences between the deer and the surrounding vegetation/land are most
pronounced (this will aid thermal detection). The control will take no longer than
3 hours, but depending on conditions, it may be spread over several visits.
Warning signs will be positioned at normal access points to the motu. Access to
the motu will not be closed while this operation is proceeding, but visitors are
advised not to venture off walking tracks while it is underway.
If you have any Pātai, please do not hesitate to contact
Phil Clerke on 027 204 2149
Senior Ranger, Biodiversity
Kaitiaki Tauawhi - Kanorau Koiora /Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
Kākāriki Karaka
Rowi