Counting the costs of being predator free on Kawau Island

Among many uncertainties about the proposed eradication of wallabies, rats, possums and stoats on Kawau Island is how it will be funded. A feasibility report commissioned by Auckland Council estimates costs of $6.59 million for the operation itself, $237,000 to establish surveillance and response systems, and then $375,000 a year in ongoing biosecurity costs. Larger line items in the breakdown include $800,000 for the wallaby eradication team, $480,000 for the rat, possum and stoat eradication team, $400,000 for wallaby team dog handlers and $320,000 for rodent bait. “Securing the necessary fu...