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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: In Australia, opossum are a protected species; Why are they such an unwanted pest in New Zealand?
A: Like most introduced species into New Zealand, the Australian "possum" has been an ecological disaster for native plants and animals. Our NZ bush tucker suits them so well that, despite our efforts to control them, they have increased both in physical size and number to an estimated population of 60 - 70 million today! Since their introduction in 1837 to establish a trade for their fur, the Australian brush-tailed possums have competed with local fauna for food. As omnivores, they not only consume vast quantities of vegetation and berries - and often to the local extinction of their preferred dietary targets -  but also they are known to raid birds nests and kiwi burrows for eggs and young chicks, eating native lizards, snails, worms, wetas and other insects. In short, they predate upon - and compete for food with - much of our native wildlife, to the extent that they threaten their very existence. (More info...)

In areas where possums have been eradicated or severely reduced in population, there is always a marked return of native birds and plants - as we have witnessed in the Rimutaka Forest Park.

Q: Can I take my dog into the Rimutaka Forest Park?
A: Yes, but there are restrictions in certain areas, including the Kiwi Release area - where dogs are excluded and must be kept on a leash at all times on the adjacent tracks - and the Scientific Reserve, where dogs are prohibited from entry. For more details, please refer to this DoC link. (Adobe .pdf  format)

Q: Why do I need to keep my dog on a lead? S/he is a good dog; very obedient.
A: The scent of kiwi is almost irresistible to most dogs unless they have received "avian aversion training" specifically for kiwi.  Unlike other birds, kiwi do not have a sternum (breast bone), so even a dog with a very soft mouth can fatally damage a kiwi.

Q: Where do I go to book a hut (a.k.a. bush cabin) in the Orongorongos/ Rimutaka Forest Park?
A: You can make bookings over the Internet at this DoC website link, or you can go to the DoC Visitor's Centre in downtown Wellington, at this address:

Wellington Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 4 384 7770
Address: 18 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

Download the latest Info Sheet (April 2008) for Rimutaka Forest Park Hut Hire from our Downloads page here: (Adobe .pdf format, 242kb.)

Q: I want to become a volunteer, but I don't want to trap or kill pest animals. How can I help?
A: There are many different roles and activities available for people, particularly on the administration/organisational part of the Trust's work, plus other projects, like tree planting. You don't have to be "super-fit" either, or  indeed, have anything to do with the trapping network activities. So email info@rimutakatrust.org.nz to express your interest and get more information!

Q: Why do you trap stoats and rats?
A: After extensive research, the stoat has been identified as the main predator of kiwi chicks. In the wild, only 5% of kiwi chicks survive after the 1st 6 months of their life due to stoats - and other introduced predators - like ferrets, rats, hedgehogs and feral cats and dogs. The DoC 150, 200 and 250 kill traps have been humane approved to ensure minimal suffering to the target animal. For more information, about the traps we use, please click here.