The worlds first detection dog for Argentine ants will feature at an event to celebrate the first anniversary of a biosecurity accreditation system for ferries and other commercial vessels visiting pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Tonight (Thursday 29 November), Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) will celebrate the first year of their Pest-free Warrant scheme.

The scheme involves DOC and the council working with ferry and tourism operators, and other companies running vessels or carrying out contracts, on pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park such as Rangitoto, Motutapu and Rakino. Its designed to ensure they dont carry pests such as rats, mice and Argentine ants to the islands.

DOC has removed rats, stoats, possums and other pests from Rangitoto and Motutapu, making them safe havens for endangered wildlife such as kiwi, takahe, tieke (saddleback) and tuatara. Rakino Island, which is managed by Auckland Council, has been pest-free since 2002, and is home to native bird species such as the bellbird and kakariki.

"Pest-free islands such as Motutapu, Rangitoto and Rakino are great for conservation and theyre great for tourism," says DOC Auckland area manager, Jonathan Miles.

"They enable us to grow the populations of threatened wildlife like Coromandel brown kiwi and takahe. And theyre close to downtown Auckland so Aucklanders and tourists can visit these islands and enjoy this unique wildlife."

"The Pest-free Warrant scheme is a key part of the Treasure Islands biosecurity programme run by Auckland Council and DOC that enables us to keep the Hauraki islands free of pests," says Jonathan.

The inspection process looks at how well biosecurity measures are applied by the commercial vessel operators and contractors visiting the pest-free islands.

"Were pleased with their response. Weve had ferry companies such as Fullers, Sealink and 360 qualify for a Pest-free Warrant. Thats as well as operators with smaller vessels and contractors working on the pest-free islands," says Auckland Council biosecurity manager, Jack Craw.

"This is a great system to have in place as it ensures the industry has good practices in place. The accreditation process doubles as an education for their staff, which they pass on to others.

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Hauraki Gulf islands celebrate being pest-free