Feral Pig Project:
Releasing feral pigs in NZ is illegal.
The established populations of feral pigs on Banks Peninsula are the result of illegal releases some 10 years ago. This has had huge negative impacts on native biodiversity and agriculture.
Feral pigs are incredibly invasive – without control, a population of 500 pigs can easily grow to more than 3,000 in 3 years.
Actions to address the feral pig problem of feral pigs on Banks Peninsula.
A group of affected landowners commenced control initiatives in 2020. After conducting several aerial operations (in conjunction with DOC), this led to new trials using smart trapping and ground-based thermal shooting. The trials were very successful, and the techniques were then applied over the wider 20,000 Ha affected area encompassing more than 150 landowners.
The success of the trials (funded by Willesden Farms) attracted agency support, and the project is now channeled through Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust who provide a governance role. This project is also now an initiative of Pest Free Banks Peninsula.
The significance of a DOC Community Fund grant.
More than 2,500 pigs have now been removed from a 20,000-ha area between Little River and Gebbies Pass. Feral pig populations are now at low density, but we can’t be complacent – feral populations can rebound quickly.
We received a grant of $250,000 from DOC’s Community Fund in 2024, and in addition to ongoing suppression, part of this grant has been used for zonal elimination trials.
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.
The options we have are to maintain ongoing suppression or to eliminate the pigs altogether. The elimination trials were very successful and are now being expanded. An assessment of the feasibility of elimination over the wider area easily showed it will be more cost effective than ongoing suppression in perpetuity. The successful trials have been the catalyst for securing funding to achieve elimination over the wider area.
In response to landowner requests, we are now embarking on an elimination project. Some landowners have pledged more than 35% of the funding needed – that’s how seriously this is being taken.
The wider elimination project is ramping up now and should be completed by the end of September 2025. It will be followed by a long ‘runoff period’ which will be used to deal with any residual pigs, validate elimination and detect any new illegal releases (which are easily removed).
What can you do to help?
Continue to allow access to your land for our professional hunters.
Report any sightings immediately.
While funding is in place for the larger project, voluntary contributions are hugely appreciated. This could help to fund more surveillance (like shared cameras which can monitor other ungulates too, for example).
If you would like to donate, please contact BPCT (+64 (03) 329 6340), or Graham Corbishley.
Who will undertake the elimination work?
BPCT has contracted Graham Corbishley to manage the elimination project. He will be supported by professional hunters from Kiwi Field Crew.
Our single goal is to eliminate feral pigs from Banks Peninsula, which will put things back to where they were – no pigs. This will have huge positive benefits for native biodiversity, biosecurity, agriculture and cultural values in the wider community.
It’s important to note there is NO place for recreational hunting in the elimination project. We use a rigorous systematic approach to achieve elimination; any disruption from recreational hunting will waste valuable funding.
Who funds the feral pig project?
BPCT receives funding and support from landowners, DOC, Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, ECan, Te Ahu Pātiki Charitable Trust and Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust. The project is guided by the Feral Pig Committee, which includes representatives from the entities listed above. Graham Corbishley has also gifted time and the use of smart traps and specialized equipment that he has developed.
Please get in touch: If you see a feral pig or have any questions about this work, contact BPCT Project Manager, Graham Corbishley: 021 378 888 or feralungulates@bpct.org.nz
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