Pest eradication in Wellington reserve

Wellington walkers and mountain bikers are being warned to steer clear of Te Kopahou Reserve today.

A hunter in a helicopter is culling pests in the area between the Brooklyn wind turbine and the south coast for several hours.

Paul Andrews from the Wellington City Council says the operation is part of an ongoing programme to control feral goats and pigs, that can damage bush and cause erosion. It is the first time a helicopter has been used in the eradication operation.

Warning signs have been up for a week and the reserve boundaries will be patrolled during shooting to make sure no one strays into the area.