Since being introduced to our shores in the late 1800s, rabbits (rāpeti) have been a constant – and costly – headache to the food and fibre industry. It’s estimated the rabbit population costs NZ around $50 million in lost production and damage annually, with a further $25 million in pest control.
Countless efforts have been made to eradicate these pesky furballs, despite this the problem is still rife across the country – and after another record year for rabbit numbers following a warmer than usual winter, the industry is coming together to try a different approach.
One of NZ’s leading pest control companies, which prefer to remain anonymous to keep discussions open and unbiased, are determined to curb this infestation, starting with the development of a community- focused website and Facebook page.
Natalie Jarman, managing director of Whatever Marketing, an agribusiness focused strategic marketing company tasked with bringing the project to life, says creating a community around this problem, as well as spreading awareness about the devastation these pests are causing in NZ, is the ultimate goal.
“The purpose of this is to have one place that everyone can go to for anything related to our rabbit pandemic in New Zealand,” Jarman said.
“Membership is free, we need everyone on board for this to succeed. The website will provide access to a number of different articles and resources, which will hopefully be supplied by the likes of DoC and MPI and other companies that have R&D around the issue.
The website has a forum functionality, which lets members engage in discussions around anything related to rabbit control. As well as this, rabbit contractors will be given free listings on the website to promote their services.
Jarman says that the hope is that people and groups who have had both successes and failures in rabbit control will come together on the website and share their experiences, including giving advice specific to certain regions.
“A good example is the Otago district council who are very proactive around rabbit control, and so we would love them to be able to put resources up on this website that support their efforts and provide a platform for other like-minded businesses and experts to share information. ” she said.
“We’ve found there have been a lot of problems that people have found themselves up against, and there have been a lot of really good solutions so we want people to be sharing those with others.”
A key driver in this community-led approach is the growing number of lifestyle properties in NZ, and the logistical issues that come with this.
In 1992, the number of landholdings below 40 hectares was around 35,000, a number which has now grown to around 175,000, or 873,000ha.
Natalie noted that because of this rabbit control becomes much more complex, as instead of dealing with a handful of landowners, which may have been the case in a region like Otago, rabbit control requires the participation of a significant number of landowners.
“It’s all good and well [for] someone getting on top of their rabbits by gassing, shooting or baiting them, but if the neighbour isn’t doing their part then all that’s going to happen is those rabbits will just come over,” she said.
“So without everyone joining forces, it’s pretty simple, we’re not going to get on top of this problem.
As this is an issue which affects all aspects of the sector, several agricultural companies are wanting to provide members with giveaways and discounts as incentives to get involved with the initiative.
Also, for access to the contractors page, you’ll find it here.
