Regional Pest Management Strategy 2005-15

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Tourism is an emerging economy, largely reliant on the scenic qualities of the Southern Alps. Weeds, in particular, will become more of a threat to some of our renowned scenic vistas. 

With 378 threatened animal and plants, including some of the world’s rarest birds (e.g. black stilt, kea and orange-fronted parakeet), the impact of pests is a major issue. Weeds threaten many of our endangered plants.

While most of New Zealand’s new pests tend to arrive at major ports in the North Island, Canterbury has a lot to lose through the accidental introduction of pests new to the South Island and to the region. 
 
The Canterbury Regional Pest Management Strategy [RPMS] has been reviewed for the first time since its inception in 1998. While the strategy maintains its focus on continuing the good work of existing programmes, it now more clearly identifies what’s at stake, which pests are the greatest threats, and how we can best control them. 

The major challenges ahead are the large size of the Canterbury region, the fact that most people live in the urban environment of Christchurch, and that many of the pests have the greatest impact in more remote regions. 

To address this, the RPMS recognises that it is in everyone’s interests to act to protect our growing economy, agricultural industry and unique natural environment from the impact of introduced pests.  

Major changes are the new Community Initiatives Programme which helps local communities to control pests, and the Surveillance programme which recognises the invaluable contribution of keen-eyed individuals who see and report over 100 plant pests now listed as a national concern. 

We take this opportunity, on behalf of the Canterbury Regional Council, to thank you for your continuing interest, support and involvement in pest management.