Book your nassella tussock contractor early to avoid delays

If you are planning on using a contractor to remove plants this season, we recommend booking them early to avoid potential delays. Timing is important - all control work needs to be completed before the plants seed and spread in spring.

Contractors who can accurately and effectively identify and control nassella tussock are often in high demand with many booking up well in advance of compliance deadline.

Download a list of contractors known to undertake nassella tussock control (PDF File, 651.88KB)

Canterbury land occupiers are required under the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan to control nassella annually before it seeds.

Plants need to be removed by 30 September for properties in Canterbury, or 31 October for high-density infestations in the Hurunui district.

Nassella on your property

Nassella tussock can be tricky to identify and is often confused with native New Zealand tussock and sedges. It can go unnoticed in pastures and grasslands for many years until a significant infestation has developed. The plant is unpalatable to livestock and invasive in valuable pasture.

Removing plants earlier in the year can help to work around on-farm activities such as lambing, which can clash with compliance dates in some areas.

Check out the handy nassella tussock ute guide (PDF File, 856KB) for all identification information.

Our biosecurity team is available to provide advice on nassella tussock identification, control and management for all landowners in Canterbury.

Contact us on 0800 326 636 or email the biosecurity team.