OPINION: A new possum control effort across the Rimutaka Ranges aims to rid New Zealand of bovine tuberculosis, says Matthew Hall.   
  
An aerial possum control operation is planned for the southern Rimutaka Ranges this spring as part of the drive towards eventual eradication of bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand.

The operation proposed for September is supported by the Department of Conservation, and community consultation and public meetings have been scheduled to determine the exact size of the control area, water supplies and exclusion zones.
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The proposed area includes the East Harbour Regional Park where the Eastbourne forest rangers have been performing effective possum control since 1933, and the Orongorongo Valley, where community groups such as the Moa Conservation Trust have contributed hugely to supporting biodiversity with voluntary possum control. The wider southern Rimutaka area has not been treated with an aerial operation before.

OPINION: Was there a sign in the last week that one of 1080's biggest battles had been won?

After Conservation minister Nick Smith rubber stamped plans for one of the biggest blanket drops of the poison last Friday, the silence was deafening.

TBfree New Zealand is working with environmental groups to stamp out pests in the Rangitoto Range to control bovine tuberculosis (TB) and bring the birds back.

The Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto ranges make up a part of New Zealand’s 10 million hectare TB risk area in which TB-infected wild animals have been found.

The biggest ever single 1080 operation in Wairarapa's Aorangi Forest Park is about to go ahead thanks to the collaboration of groups that have traditionally been at loggerheads.

TB Free New Zealand is carrying out the 30,000ha operation in south eastern Wairarapa and even hunters are on board, which is a mark of how far the 1080 debate has progressed.

The birdsong of the vulnerable mohua is being heard in greater chorus in the Catlins after a 1080 drop, the Department of Conservation says.

The population of mohua, one of New Zealand's rarest songbirds, in the Catlins was increasing after a successful joint agency pest control programme last spring, DOC said.