Pest management
Pests are the biggest threat to our environment. They also threaten the economic future of our region.
Nelson City and Tasman District Councils recently produced a free booklet "Pests: Everyone's Responsibility" (3MB PDF) which identifies all the animal and plant pests listed in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan.
Online directory of pests
The directory of pests is organised into five sections according to their designations, which depends on the types and levels of regional intervention Councils require. Each designation requires a different set of objectives that need to be achieved for that group of pests.
Browse through the online pest directory.
Free brochure on biocontrol agents now available
Landcare Research has prepared a brochure called "Biocontrol Agents for Weeds in New Zealand," a quick reference guide for using one living organism (usually insects or fungi) to control another.
The brochure is available free of charge at the front desk at Council or by calling the Rural Liaison Adviser on +64 3 546 0308.
Pest Plant Accord
Nelson City Council is part of the National Pest Plant Accord (the Accord), a co-operative agreement between regional councils and government departments with biosecurity responsibilities, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to restrict the breeding and sales of plants that pose a high-risk as weeds.
All pest plants listed under the Accord have been declared unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993. The aim of such declarations is to prevent the sale, propagation or distribution across the country of these unwanted organisms.
The full list of National Pest Plant Accord plants can be found in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy and photos of individual plants are available in the National Pest Plant Accord booklet, available from MAF.
Visit the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website.
You can help
You can now make a difference in the battle against possums, ferrets, stoats, old man's beard and the many other pests that are destroying our bush and bird life, and threatening our pastoral industries through the spread of bovine Tb.
Under the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy, the Tasman District and Nelson City Councils plan to assist individuals and community groups to control pests in their local area.
If you'd like to join a volunteer group and help with pest control, check out our volunteer group map. (9MB PDF)
Trapping on the Grampians
Birdlife on the Grampians is a project involving people of Nelson assisting the restoration of Native Birds on Grampians by reducing the impact of predators using approved Pest control methods. Projects such as this are now becoming vital for the survival of Native Birds, and around New Zealand, groups are realizing the rapid enhancement of Birdlife. The Grampians is becoming a showcase for Birds and will compliment the work being undertaken at Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, Enner Glynn Bush and Marsden Valley.
Find out more about trapping on the Grampians on the Birdlife On Grampians website.
Administration of the policy
Tasman District Council administers the Pest Strategy and provides advice and assistance for pest identification and control in the Nelson area. If you need advice on controlling possums, stoats, ferrets, feral cats, magpies, or an invasive weed contact the Biosecurity staff at Tasman District Council. There are many groups already doing great work trapping pests and keeping weeds out of native bush. The Councils want to build on this good work and encourage others to join in.
Targeted areas
The Councils have dedicated money to promote pest control work at sites of high public value. Sites being targeted include Titoki Reserve in Atawhai and Reservoir Creek tidal zone. The Councils are keen to extend the number of sites where pest control is taking place and to work with community groups to maintain these special places free of pests.
The Pest Strategy also targets the worst of the new weeds invading our region. This includes vines such as: climbing spindleberry (Celastrus orbiculatus), madeira vine (Andredera cordifolia), cathedral bells (Cobaea scandens), and the aquatic plants egeria (Egeria densa), senegal tea (Gymnocoronis splianthoides), and parrots feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum). A pamphlet is available with pictures of all the pests designated in the Strategy to assist with identification.