Wild deer free Pōuto

The Pōuto peninsula is characterised by a mixture of farmland, forestry, kanuka forest/shrubland and an extensive coastal dune system, with two old-growth forest remnants on the peninsula which are regarded as outstanding.

In the early 2000s, there were significant escapes from two previous permitted deer farms at the southern end of the peninsula, leading to the establishment of several small pockets of wild red-wapiti cross deer. Since this time, all of these animals have been progressively removed by professional cullers and private hunters from the community. More recently, a private hunter shot a wild red stag towards the northern part of the peninsula.

In the first half of 2026, surveillance work has taken place using thermal drones, ground detection teams with both scat detection and indicating dogs, and camera traps. This is one of the final steps towards official confirmation that this project area is also wild deer free.

A risk remains that fallow deer could be illegally liberated in the future into this environment. There is also the possibility of wild deer crossing to the peninsula from other locations.

Ongoing survey and validation activities in partnership with hapū Te Uri o Hau are focused on confirming the absence of wild deer and preventing any re-establishment. This is supported by strong engagement with local communities.