Federated Farmers has called for Canada Geese to be classified as pests and the region's NZ Fish and Game officer agrees that there are too many of them on Tauranga Harbour.

Pest management spokesman Donald Aubrey says Britain's decision to declare an open season on the birds should be the impetus New Zealand needs to take that step.
Donald describes the geese as ‘fetid vermin' that ‘defile crops, pasture, waterways and wildlife habitats'. He says in Britain they cause similar problems to those experienced in New Zealand.
'Farmers are sick and tired of hearing Fish and Game New Zealand's excuses for failing to meet its statutory obligation to control the birds' population.”
However, senior Fish & Game officer for the Eastern Region, Matthew McDougall says Fish & Game aren't actually required by law to control the birds.
‘We are only there to provide access for hunters, but having said that we take on a role as a public good where these birds are concerned.”
Matthew estimates the population of Canada Geese on Tauranga Harbour to be about 600 birds. He says he feels this is far too high.
'I would like to see that number reduced to 400 at the most. The trouble is the birds are not easy to shoot. They are very wary.”
There is a normal hunting season on Canada Geese from May until August and a two-day season in February, but Matthew says over and above that, Fish & Game give affected landowners ‘pretty much carte-blanche'.
'If landowners have a problem with Canada Geese they should give us a call.”
A spokesman for The Department of Conservation said he was unaware of any plans by the Minister to classify the birds as pests.