Feral Pig Elimination Programme
We have embarked on a nationally significant programme to eliminate feral pigs from Banks Peninsula.
The Feral Pig Elimination Programme will run from April 2025 until mid-2027. It is a strategic and relentless approach to eliminating feral pigs, using a range of tools and approaches – including traps and ground-based shooting (with thermal imaging), specialist contractors and support from landowners in the elimination zone.
Why are we targeting feral pigs?
Feral pigs have been described as ‘one of the most damaging invasive species on Earth’.
Feral pigs devastate native ecosystems and pastoral production. They damage fences and waterways, displace pasture (rooting promotes weed regeneration), predate on some livestock and contribute to the bovine tuberculosis (Tb) cycle.
What are we doing about feral pigs on Banks Peninsula?
The established populations of feral pigs on Banks Peninsula are the result of illegal release some 10 years ago.
For the past two years, Pest Free Banks Peninsula has undertaken a Managed Control Programme. This has resulted in the removal of 2,400 pigs from a 20,000-ha area between Little River and Gebbies Pass. Pig densities across the area of infestation have reduced by at least 80% of the 2023 population and as a result, biodiversity outcomes and farm economic outputs have also improved.
We are now embarking on an Elimination Programme.
How will we achieve elimination of feral pigs on the peninsula?
This attempt to rid the peninsula of feral pigs is being led by the region’s landowners, with support from a number of agencies.
Together we are leading the way – nowhere else in New Zealand has an elimination programme of this scale been successfully undertaken.
Over the next two years, our programme lead, Graham Corbishley, will manage a team of professional hunters and contractors, who will use a multi-pronged approach which will include trapping and thermal ground-based shooting. We will also engage in technological solutions including drones and camera surveillance.
We will also rely on the public’s support – asking them to report sightings of pigs in the elimination zone and also any suspicious activity around the illegal release of pigs in this area.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO RELEASE PIGS INTO THE WILD ANYWHERE IN NEW ZEALAND.
RECREATIONAL PIG HUNTING IN THE ELIMINATION ZONE IS PROHIBITED.
We understand that recreational pig hunters are passionate about their ‘sport’. But there is simply no place for recreational hunting in the elimination programme. It is prohibited by landowners in the elimination zone, and it will not be tolerated. Anyone caught releasing, or attempting to release, pigs into the wild will be prosecuted under the Wild Animal Control Act.
What can you do if you see a pig in the elimination area or you suspect illegal hunting or releasing activity?
You can report sightings here: Pest sighting report or call us on 03 329 6340
Programme Partners:
The Feral Pig Elimination Programme is landowner-led and supported by a range of agencies. It is a priority focus for Pest Free Banks Peninsula (PFBP) and is supported by its parent organisation, Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust.
The programme is funded by DOC, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Environment Canterbury. Some landowners have also contributed funds for activities undertaken on their property.
From an operational perspective, the programme is guided by the Feral Pig Committee, which includes representatives from DOC, ECAN and Christchurch City Council, the Rod Donald Trust, Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust and local landowners.
Contact Us
Office: 752 Christchurch Akaroa Highway, Tai Tapu
Postal Address: PO Box 146, Tai Tapu, 7645, Christchurch, NZ
Email: info@pestfreebp.org.nz
Phone: +64 (03) 3296340