Possums consume an estimated 21,000 tonnes of vegetation a night across New Zealand

Possum Control

Possums are one of the most persistent pest species on forestry and rural land in New Zealand, browsing foliage and new growth and putting sustained pressure on tree health across a block over time. Because damage builds gradually, it's easy to underestimate until canopy condition is visibly affected.

Possums browse leaves, buds, and new growth, and will target preferred tree species heavily if left unmanaged, weakening canopy health and slowing growth across affected areas. Populations can re-establish quickly from neighbouring land, which is why ongoing, well-targeted control tends to work better than a single one-off effort.

how we control

How we control possum numbers

  • Targeted baiting to reduce possum numbers across the block in a controlled, planned way.

  • Drone surveying to assess population levels and browse damage before and after control work, so you can see what's working.

  • Thermal imaging and night vision to locate possums accurately during their most active hours.

  • Ground-based culling where it's the right fit alongside baiting, particularly on smaller or more accessible blocks.

We scope the mix of methods to the block, the extent of the damage, and what you're trying to protect.

Learn more about our methods
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Rabbit + Hare Control

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Land & Forestry Pest Surveys