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Hunua Falls back open after 1080 drop

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Sat, 29 Aug 2015, 9:20AM
Hunua Falls, Auckland. (Getty Images)
Hunua Falls, Auckland. (Getty Images)

Hunua Falls back open after 1080 drop

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Sat, 29 Aug 2015, 9:20AM

Weekend visitors to Auckland's Hunua Falls are being asked to supervise children and keep their dogs at home.

The popular falls are back open this weekend after the first round of Auckland Council's controversial 1080 drop.

However, the rest of the Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai Regional Parks are still closed.

Project director Mace Ward says those areas need to be left alone, to ensure pest animals take the bait.

Tracks leading from the falls into the regional park are closed, and safety signs and barriers are in place.

Mace Ward says people need to observe warning signs, and keep their dogs away.

He says parents also need to supervise their children, and make sure their children do not eat or touch toxic baits.

The falls will be closed again next week for the second round of the drop.

Auckland Council official advice:

- 1080 is a deadly toxin – anyone visiting the ranges area must observe warning signs and ensure that children do not touch or eat the toxic baits.

- Dogs are also at risk – dog owners are advised to avoid taking dogs into the operational area until the caution period is over and warning signs are removed. Those who choose to bring their dogs to areas of the parks (where dogs are allowed) or near to the operational area should supervise them closely to prevent scavenging of carcasses and consider muzzling the dog if it is off-lead. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, induce vomiting and immediately go to a vet.

- The ‘operational area’ of 21,500 hectares includes Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai regional parks, neighbouring Department of Conservation administered land and some private land.

- In addition to removing the dams from service, other safety measures around the water supply include exclusion zones around and no flying over the dams.

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