4 August 2009 - On the eve of the third and final aerial rat bait drop on Rangitoto and Motutapu, kayaker Ian Ferguson has called on the New Zealand public to ensure the islands remain pest free.

"We all love Rangitoto, so let's work together to ensure the beautiful, natural environment that we all enjoy visiting in our kayaks and boats stays that way. Make sure you always check your bags and boats for rats, mice and other stowaway pests," he said.

Auckland Area manager Brett Butland is also calling on the public to help.

"This will be a flagship project that Aucklanders can feel proud to be a part of," he said. "But with that pride comes responsibility, and we expect all visitors to help us ensure that these islands remain pest-free."

Thanks to a forecast period of fine weather, the Department of Conservation is starting the drop on August 6.

The operation is part of a programme to restore the islands by removing seven species of introduced mammal pests and predators, which will provide a landmark 3800 hectare sanctuary for native wildlife within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

The aerial drops of brodifacoum, a common rat poison that can be bought from the supermarket or hardware store, are targeted at rats and mice. Remaining pest animals will be removed through trapping, shooting and the use of specialist detection dogs.

Since the first two drops, DOC staff have found dead rodents as well as some dead pukeko on the island.

"There is a big population of pukeko on Motutapu and we are expecting to lose a number of these birds. Previous rodent eradication operations have shown that the pukeko populations bounce back very quickly, especially in the absence of predators such as rats and stoats," says Mr Butland.

There are also early indications that the rabbit population has been hit hard by the rodent bait, says Mr Butland.

"After two weeks of spotlight searches we've found only one rabbit."

Trapping of stoats, wild cats and hedgehogs will begin after the third drop, says Mr Butland.

"We're well on our way to breathing life back into Rangitoto and Motutapu, and creating a large pest-free nature sanctuary right on Auckland's front doorstep."