Three regional parks in south-east Auckland are closed for a 1080 poison programme.

Hunua Ranges, Waharau and Whakatiwai Regional Parks, along with tracks in neighbouring Mangatawhiri and Vining reserves, have been closed for Auckland Council's Hunua 1080 programme.

The poison bait, targeted at possums, rats and stoats, will be laid via helicopter early in the week and the parks will remain closed for about five days.

SUPPLIED Auckland Council has been waiting for good weather to drop 1080 in the Hunua Ranges.

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The Hunua Ranges holds several water reservoirs that supply Auckland.

A council release said water reservoirs in the affected area would be isolated from the public water supply and would not be returned to service until "a comprehensive water monitoring programme has been completed with consecutive samples showing no 1080 has been detected".

PETER MEECHAM / FAIRFAX NZ A reservoir in the Hunua Ranges

The Medical Officer of Health will be asked to confirm that it is safe to use the water again.

Visitors to the parks were asked to follow warning signs and take particular care with dogs and children, who were "particularly at risk" from 1080 poisoning.

Several protest groups have sprung up in opposition to the 1080 programme since it was announced.