Published on 10 May 2024
The rabbits of Moeraki will find life a bit more difficult over the coming years due to the construction of a 4.5km rabbit-proof fence along the Moeraki coast.
Council's Biodiversity Officer and our Parks team have been working on this project, which has been funded through the 'Better Off Funding'.
The new fence will encompass the Moeraki Point reserve in the north, and extend along the coastal cliffs south to Kaika 2 this winter, with additional fencing around and south of Kaika 2 planned for 2025.
Local contractor IB Contracting successfully tendered for the project, which includes the construction of about 3km of new post, waratah and 5-wire fence, and rabbit proofing of a further 1.5kms of existing fencing.
The rabbit proofing consists of 1.2m wide rabbit netting, with a 300 mm folded apron. Planning for rabbit control operations either side of the new fence are already underway, with pindone-laced carrots likely to be distributed this coming winter.
Rabbits are a serious threat to our biodiversity, environment, and economy. They graze native seedlings and vegetation, compete with stock for pasture and crops, and cause soil erosion and degradation.
Plans for revegetation and predator control within the coastal area are also afoot, in collaboration with Otago Regional Council and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki, pending successful control of both rabbits and the pervasive African boxthorn.
ENDS