Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to get more native birds coming into my backyard?

There are lots of things you can do! You can provide birds with a safe place to hang out by putting a bell on your cat, or keeping your cat indoors. You can hang sugar water in safe parts of your property (high away from dogs and cats). You can trap possums and rats in your backyard. See our pest and trap infosheets on our resources page.

Plant a variety of native trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Maintain established fruit trees (kererū love them) and large native trees or macrocarpa for kākā. We developed a forest restoration planting guide for our area. You can use this to help you choose native plants which will grow well at your place.

Dunedin City Council also has information on their website to help you create a biodiverse garden.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary has a great online resource for helping kākā.

what is the Halo project doing about feral cats?

We acknowledge that feral cats are a problem in the area, but we are not funded to target feral cats.

Our current approach is to encourage responsible cat ownership including neutering and microchipping pet cats and keeping them indoors. We have given away 200 microchips for local companion cats, and we advocate for reducing the cost of neutering pet cats.

what monitoring of pests or wildlife do you do?

There are two broad types of monitoring we undertake - ‘result’ and ‘outcome’.

‘Result monitoring’ is where we measure pest density annually to gauge whether our predator control programme is working. We use a combination of tracking tunnels to quantify rodent densities, and chew cards for possums and rodents. Mustelids (stoats, ferrets, weasels) are notoriously difficult to monitor, so we refer to catch data from our traps.

OSPRI use waxtags to measure possum density before and after their control operations. Now that we are continuing possum control where OSPRI operated, we are closely monitoring our trap catch data and investigating the most effective ways to monitor possum density at very low levels as we aim for ‘zero-density’ (a population so sparse they cannot reproduce).

‘Outcome monitoring’ is where we measure the positive outcome or goal we are working to achieve. We commission a third party to carry our forest canopy health monitoring. Initiated prior to possum operations, and using the Foliar Browse Index method, remeasuring permanent vegetation plots and photopoints shows change over time.

The South Island robin kakaruwai population around Mihiwaka is regularly monitored to assess whether our predator control efforts are effective.

Predator Free Dunedin commissioned bird surveys within the possum control buffer area to establish outcome monitoring. Wenita Forest Products commissions NZ falcon kārearea monitoring within their forest blocks.

DoES The Halo project use 1080?

No, The Halo Project does not use 1080 or other toxins to control predators.  

Do you use herbicide at every planting site? 

No. Some of our landowners and partners choose herbicide-free options. We always stay clear of waterways if spraying. 

Why do you use herbicide? 

Weeds and rank grass can choke native plants. When we replant with natives, we want them to reach a height where they can survive independently. Herbicide allows us to kill weeds reliably and quickly. This means we can cover more ground, work efficiently and achieve the long term benefits.  

How do other (manual) Weed control methods compare?  

They take much more time and need to be repeated more often. That’s because many weeds can regrow from fragments, bulbs or roots in the ground. Pulling and grubbing turns the soil over and opens up space for weed growth. Manual methods are often appropriate in private gardens, where the gardener dedicates time for ongoing weed control. However, as a professional team with limited resources, we want to do as much good as possible – and herbicide helps us with that. 

Which herbicides do you use? 

Our main herbicide is glyphosate - a popular, tried and tested weed killer. We dilute it with water to use as little as necessary. To make sure it sticks to the weeds, instead of running off, we use an oily additive. We also add a little penetrant to help the spray get into the leaves, where it will spread throughout the plant and roots. We add coloured dye so that everyone in the team can see what has been sprayed so we don’t double up or miss anything. In some cases, if necessary, we may use a different herbicide – for example, Vigilant for woody weeds. 

Does herbicide stay in the soil? 

Glyphosate binds relatively well with soil, which is good because that makes it harder for the herbicide to wash in waterways or groundwater. It is broken down in the soil (biodegradable), meaning residues in the soil are not the active ingredient. Rain and soil make the herbicide less active over time. The active ingredient is reduced by half in two weeks.

Are Herbicides safe for people and the environment? 

In New Zealand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the herbicides we use as safe if used according to manufacturers’ labels and instructions.

Our choice of herbicides and careful application onto weeds ensures any risks are minimised.

During and shortly after spraying, it is recommended that stock, pets, and children are kept away from the area. However, once the plants are dry, it is safe to walk through. Fresh spray can cause irritation on skin and eyes, which is why we use protective gear. 

Overseas, mass-scale use of glyphosate on food crops caused public concern and anti-herbicide reaction. However, it was recently concluded that, if used correctly, the chemical is not dangerous for humans or bees (wrong additives and improper use are). We avoid spraying over native plants or waterways and have measures to contain a spill if it happens.  

What precautions do you take when using herbicides? 

Our team is trained in correct use of herbicides. When we spray, we use the right gear and clothes to protect the team. We spot spray where it’s needed, and spray drift or run-off are prevented. We spray in good weather only. We keep away from waterways and water bodies. We follow all manufacturer instructions and have a containment kit in case of a spill, and always carry a first aid kit. 

I’d like to help, how can i get involved?

Want to join the effort to bring back native wildlife to your neck of the woods?

Here are some examples of how you may be able to get involved:

• Host a trap on your property

• Become a trapping volunteer on public land

• Plant or maintain plantings with our Source to Sea team

• Get a group together for a planting day

• Take part in the annual NZ Garden Bird Survey

• Supply us with bait - eggs, rabbit meat

• Enter catch data into TrapNZ database

• Help clear tracks

• Deliver newsletters

• Spread the Halo Project message.

If you want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill in this form, and we will be in touch.