Pet owners warned over calicivirus rabbit cull in Christchurch red zone
Calicivirus will be released in the Christchurch red zone to cull the fast-growing wild rabbit population, prompting a warning for pet rabbit owners to vaccinate their animals.
A jump in the number of rabbits counted on the Crown-owned land since last year has led to the pest control measure. Calicivirus K5, a Korean variant of the virus introduced in other parts of New Zealand last year, will be used.
The virus will be released through crushed carrot drops beginning in four weeks' time, starting with uncontaminated carrots so the rabbits get used to them.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Joanne McNally Tickets Wanted
Hi, Has anyone got Joanne McNally tickets for Christchurch on the Wednesday 15th of April 2026 that they can on longer use. I am looking for at least 2 or more if available.
Many Thanks
Loading…
