Plant pests threaten our region’s native plants, for example, in our forests and wetlands. Many are also a nuisance to farmers, in suburban gardens and may cause health problems in some people. It’s important we control plant pests and stop them from spreading. Find out about plant pests in the Waikato region, how to recognise them and check out our tips for control.
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Environment Waikato contracts Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractors in seven areas of the Waikato region. The contractors are responsible for:
- enforcement
- biological control
- direct control
- monitoring
- surveillance.
Find out who your local Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractor is and their contact details.
For more information on the complete list of plant pests, check out the Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS).
Material contained on this website is available as hard copy factsheets. Use our factsheets order form to order your own copies free of charge.
Factsheet status
The list of plant pest factsheets is currently being updated to include the most recent RPMS policy and control information.
Weedbusters
Weedbusters is an inter-agency weeds awareness and education programme designed to protect New Zealand against the spread of invasive weeds. The Weedbusters vision is that all New Zealanders are aware of and take action to reduce the spread of weeds and their impact on the environment, economy and human health.
To find out more visit www.weedbusters.org.nz.
Weedbusters can help you in the fight against weeds by:
- helping you recognise weeds
- providing information on ways to prevent weeds from getting established
- providing information on methods to control weeds
- providing information on ways to safely dispose of weeds
- providing support for Weedbusters groups.
2008 Waikato Weedbusters award winners announced
Two Hamilton conservation groups and a Kawhia man have won Waikato Weedbusters awards this year.
The winners received their awards from Environment Waikato regional pest management committee deputy chair Laurie Burdett and Department of Conservation representative Brigid Isaac at Environment Waikato’s council meeting in Hamilton last week.
Friends of Barrett Bush, which has been working since 1984 to restore a remnant stand of kahikatea on a Department of Conservation reserve west of Hamilton, won this year’s overall award.
The group has fenced the bush, created wetlands, removed weeds and raised money to buy an adjacent paddock, where it has planted native trees.
Spokesperson Warren Stace said the Weedbusters award was a “great achievement” for his group and thanked the Honda Tree Trust for supplying native trees.
The Jubilee Bush Care Group, which is working to protect kahikatea trees in Jubilee Bush in Claudelands, Hamilton, was runner-up.
Spokesperson Katherine Hay thanked the group’s members and supporters, including Weedbusters, Hamilton City Council and Environment Waikato.
Kawhia man John (JD) Dodgson was also honoured with a special commendation for more than 20 years of weed work.
Described as “weeds’ worst enemy”, Mr Dodgson formerly worked for the Department of Conservation leading a weed team. He is a current member of the Biosecurity Institute of New Zealand the Kawhia Harbour Protection Society and gives hours of volunteer time helping to educate local people about weeds.
“It’s a great pleasure to be able to accept something like this, but you can’t do it on your own,” Mr Dodgson said.
He thanked everyone who had supported him, particularly his wife.
Cr Burdett acknowledged the passion and dedication of all groups working to control weeds, which are one of the biggest threats to New Zealand’s natural environment.
“They are our region’s unsung environmental heroes, giving so generously of their time and knowledge,” she said.
“Weeding may not be glamorous, but the work they do makes a real difference.”
Weedbusters resources available from Environment Waikato
- Weedbusting booklet - free.
- Weedbusting tool kit - for Weedbusters groups to borrow.
- Weedbusters small scale initiative funding.
- Weedbusters storybook - $10.
Contact the Weedbusters Regional Coordinator on Environment Waikato's Freephone 0800 800 401.
Further information
Planning pest plant control? See section 6.2 of the Regional Plan for rules on spray drift.
You can also download a factsheet on plant pest control methods in PDF format below.
Plant pest control methods
(148 kb, 21 seconds to download, 56k modem)
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The National Pest Plant Accord
A compilation of common pest plants, what their impact on the environment is and how to control them.
Download the National Pest Plant Accord from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. |
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Plant Me Instead – Plants to use in place of common pest plants (free)
A booklet of ideas on what plants you can use to replace plant pests. When removing plant pests it’s important to replace them with more suitable plants. This helps prevent plant pests from coming back. This booklet has been produced specifically for the northern climate zone (northern half of the North Island).
'What makes a pest a pest'? – A guide to Waikato’s pest management future (free) (730 kb, 104 seconds to download, 56k modem) download the PDF file or order for free from our offices.
Find out about Environment Waikato’s Pest Management Strategy and check out what plants are pests in the Waikato region.
Poisonous Plants and Fungi in New Zealand– A guide for parents, schools and child minders ($15.00 includes GST)
Many plants we have in our gardens are poisonous. Find out which plants and fungi are poisonous and what action needs to be taken should poisoning occur. |
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Check out our biosecurity publications for more publications on this topic.
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