Council efforts to cull rabbit numbers in Katikati parks are being welcomed by residents but some are left wondering why it took so long.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is currently undertaking a $2000 programme to reduce the high numbers of rabbits at the popular walking spot of Haiku Park Reserve.

The two-month long programme involves a number of bait stations full of non-poisonous cereal pellets before a poisonous version of pellets is introduced later on.

Katikati resident Alan Glover is pleased council is addressing the issue, after numerous reported sightings, but is dismayed at the time taken to implement a strategy.

He believes council's lack of adhering to a normal maintenance programme of culling, including casual night shooting every couple of years, is one factor contributing to the large numbers.

He says the issue has been ongoing for the last few years and if council were proactive in investigating and addressing the communities' concerns this would have prevented any excessive landscaping costs, says Alan.

'I rung council once a while ago and they said it was dangerous work and would cost a bit and it was just put off,” says Alan.

'They [the rabbits] have done a hell of a lot of damage. On the bank above the park it was all covered in shrubs and flowers but now it is clay.”

Warning signs are erected around the park alerting residents and dog owners with information on the procedure, and what to do if a dog eats the bait – which there is an antidote for.

Next autumn council staff will look at what areas of the park need urgent attention and re-planting with the rabbits chewing their way through a number of plants – something council admits is a common occurrence with rabbits.

'The council is now going to have go back and plant it or leave it as it is and let it grow by itself,” says Alan.

'I'm glad they are on to it now. But I just hope people don't start up a petition to stop it.”