Murihiku mana whenua have placed a rāhui over the fishery surrounding Te Wharawhara (Ulva Island) in Te Whaka ā Te Wera Mātaitai near Rakiura (Stewart Island) to protect fishers from an aerial predator control operation which aims to return the sanctuary to its former pest-free status.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is using the aerial delivery of brodifacoum toxin to eradicate Norway Rats from Te Wharawhara, with the first of two applications planned for today (Saturday 5 August). 

For the safety of fishers and visitors to the island, Te Whaka ā Te Weta / Paterson Inlet Mātaitai committee and Awarua Rūnaka have placed a rāhui surrounding the island which extends 1km offshore. DOC has also restricted access to the island to operational kaimahi only during the predator control operation today. 

The rāhui (a physical and spiritual protection mechanism) sets a temporary prohibition on fishing from the moana until all traces of the toxin are no longer present within key indicator species such as blue cod, trumpeter, pāua, kina, mussels, and limpets.   

Awarua Rūnaka mātaitai advisor Gail Thompson says fishers should avoid the area.

“We are supportive of the mahi to protect Te Wharawhara and our taonga manu, but this rāhui recognises that land activities have an impact on our fishery. We’re imploring the community to not fish or eat kaimoana collected from within 1km of Te Wharawhara for their safety until the rāhui is lifted.”

A second application of bait will take place two weeks after the first application (weather dependent).