Invasive plant and animal pests are destroying native vegetation and threatening economic production at an alarming rate. Find out more about the plants and animals that are declared 'pests' in our region, including where they're found, methods of control and useful contacts.
Biosecurity Act 1993
The Biosecurity Act 1993 guides pest management in New Zealand. It has two main purposes:
- Border control and surveillance to keep pests out of New Zealand.
- Management of pests that have already established.
Border control is the responsibility of Biosecurity New Zealand. The Department of Conservation and regional councils are responsible for managing pests that have already established in New Zealand.
What we are doing
Environment Waikato's biosecurity group manages and controls plant and animal pests. Our Regional Pest Management Strategy guides our pest control activities.
Controlling plant and animal pests in the Waikato region is a huge job. We need the support of land owners in our region to help with pest control. Successful pest control starts with awareness, motivation, the correct information being readily available, and the right people to help you. Find out about our Biosecurity Animal and Plant Pest Contractors. Check out our plant and animal pest factsheets and find out:
- why the plant or animal is a pest
- how the pest came to New Zealand
- how to recognise the pest
- who is responsible for control of the pest
- methods of pest control
- useful contacts, including where to obtain materials for pest control
- how to contact your nearest biosecurity contractor.
Woolly nightshade
We're working to rid southern Franklin of woolly nightshade
Woolly nightshade is a serious pest plant that forms dense strands, crowding out and suppressing other plants. It has been a major problem in the southern Franklin district for many years. For the last few years Environment Waikato has encouraged land owners in this area to control woolly nightshade. Properly controlling this pest now will benefit the entire southern Franklin community in the long run.
Environment Waikato's Regional Pest Management Strategy states that all land owners must control woolly nightshade if it occurs on their property. Land owners/occupiers need to be vigilant and ensure any woolly nightshade on their property is removed. While many people act quickly and responsibly, too many ignore the problem, negating the great control work being done by their neighbours. To make a difference, all land owners/occupiers need to get rid of woolly nightshade.
Environment Waikato has begun enforcing the removal of woolly nightshade in southern Franklin where land owners have ignored requests to do so. This can be costly to the land owner. To avoid possible fines and the risk of prosecution, now is the time to get rid of woolly nightshade if you have any on your property.
About woolly nightshade
Woolly nightshade rapidly invades agricultural land and urban areas, destroying forests, native habitats and pastures. The berries can be toxic to humans and livestock, and the leaves can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat.
Identifying features of woolly nightshade
Solanum mauritianum
- Rapidly growing small tree up to 10 metres tall.
- Large grey-green oval leaves with a felt-like texture.
- Mauve or purple flowers with five petals and a yellow centre.
- Clusters of round berries, initially green, then ripening to a dull yellow.
- Strong, unpleasant, kerosene-like smell, especially when leaves are crushed.
For more information or advice on control methods, please contact Environment Waikato's Plant Pest Contractor, Philip Mabin, on 07 825 5052 or 021 502 09
Controlling possums
Environment Waikato undertakes possum control in order to:
- protect our native forests from possum browse
- protect our native wildlife, such as birds, lizards and invertebrates from predation by possums
- reduce the risk of possums infected with bovine Tb (bovine tuberculosis) spreading the disease to livestock herds. Bovine Tb infected livestock affects our dairy and meat industry.
One of the tools we use for controlling possums is 1080. Find out more about possums, why we use 1080 and how using 1080 benefits our economy and native plants and animals.
Look out for rooks
Environment Waikato annually surveys and controls rooks in some parts of the Waikato region as and when required. Find out why rooks are a pest and how to go about reporting rook sightings.
Weedbusters
Environment Waikato supports the Weedbusters programme. Find out all about the programme at www.weedbusters.org.nz.
See ya later alligator!
Alligator weed is one of the Waikato's worst weeds. It is a very serious threat to waterways and productive land in the Waikato region. Find out about alligator weed and what to do if you find it.
Aquatic pests
Find out about troublesome fish and problem plants affecting our rivers and lakes. Check out our information about coastal plant and animal pests, and find out about marine hitchhikers.
More information
Pest factsheets
You can download selected factsheets from this site by clicking the 'download this factsheet' link near the top of each pest page. You can also order hard copies of each plant and animal factsheet.