Wild deer free Kai Iwi Lakes

Kai Iwi lakes is a national treasure, with high biodiversity values in and around this unique dune lake system.

In 2014, up to 30 fallow deer of both sexes were illegally released on a private property, located just five kilometres away from Kai Iwi lakes. In the years following this release, many of these deer were shot by landowners and recreational hunters. Official eradication attempts began in 2016 and the last known deer to be shot was in early 2019.

To ensure no wild deer were present, in 2025 nearly 20,000 hectares of this area were intensively surveyed for any remaining wild deer. Thermal drones, deer and scat (faeces) indicator dogs, trail cameras, and public sightings all came back with zero wild deer, leading to the official confirmation that there are no deer in this large project area.

With the approval of landowners, and working together with Kaipara District Council, iwi Te Roroa and contractors, additional ungulate (hoofed mammal – in this case feral goats and pigs) control was taken place to help protect the local environment around Kai Iwi lakes. 

What happens from here

This area is now in a low-impact monitoring phase and remains reliant on public reporting to ensure the area continues to be wild deer free.