New Zealand hunters laud return of Easter bunny kill The Guardian, AUCKLAND, New Zealand New Zealand hunters have celebrated a return to tradition this Easter: shooting thousands of rabbits, an introduced species that threatens the country’s biodiversity as well as agriculture. The Great Easter Bunny Hunt — where hundreds of hunters gather in Alexandra to make a dent in the rabbit population — was held this weekend for the first time since 2017. The Alexandra Lions Club has organized the event for more than 25 years as a fundraiser for community projects and a show of support for local farmers whose lands are blighted by rabbits as agricultural pests.