SUPPORTERS of Makara Peak want a buffer zone around the park and better fencing to keep out goats and wild pigs that damage native trees planted by the group.
“A buffer zone for goat control around the park on private land, along with better fencing, would greatly assist our native forest restoration efforts,” says group chairman Ben Wilde.
“We are looking into both of these issues and plan to discuss this with land owners” he says.
Wellington City Council cleaned out many of the goats two years ago, but concedes it is hard to stop them re-invading.
Council parks and gardens manager Paul Andrews says goats are a significant problem, their effects increasing as their numbers increase.
With 238 killed in 2006/07, the council shooting programme appears to be having an impact, with only 97 shot the following year.
“With the re-invasion issue we are currently keeping their numbers at low levels,” he says.
Ben Wilde endorses the council’s efforts: “The park suffers extensive damage from goats, and to a lesser extent pigs, in terms of eating and other damage (for example, ring barking) of native plants.
He says the supporters group regularly plants native trees and maintains the numerous tracks. They have worked hard for 10 years on native forest restoration, and have received awards for their efforts.
The supporters and volunteers have planted more than 30,000 plants, cleared significant numbers of pest plants, and have managed to get possums and stoats largely under control.
Hunter Trent Oakley is contracted by Wellington City Council for 60 days a year to cull wild goats and pigs. He and dog Floss were out looking for wild pigs at Te Kopahou last month, but next week he will target Makara Peak’s goats.
Mr Andrews says the council’s hunters are experienced professionals, and communication is important. The council issues regular warning notices in the Dominion Post, has permanent signs at all entrances, park ranger staff are informed week to week, and on a culling day the contractor puts signs in to close certain areas or tracks.
He says the hunters follow the firearms code. Carcasses are removed from tracks and walkers are required to keep their dogs under close control.
“As the work has been going for several years now most people are aware of the safety issues and are fully supportive of the programme.”
Mr Wilde says his group would like to see the programme extended, with more hunting days made available.
“The bottom line is that [we] are keen to see more goat control both in the park and also on surrounding private land.
“To my knowledge we have not received any complaints from our members or other park users about the hunters, but we get regular complaints of goat sightings and even near misses (where goats are conflicting with riders on tracks).”
Weather permitting, hunter Trent Oakley will be at Makara Peak during the week beginning October 13.
PICTURE: Contract hunter Trent Oakley and Floss at Te Kopahou beyond Brooklyn.