$2 million boost for wallaby control in Canterbury

Canterbury’s fight to stop wallabies spreading is gaining momentum, with Environment Canterbury releasing $2 million to boost control efforts over the next two years.

The funding will help accelerate wallaby control work during the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years, reducing the risk of wallabies spreading into new areas and avoiding much higher long-term control costs. It builds on previous investment and ensures earlier gains aren’t lost at a critical point in the programme. 

Why wallaby control matters

South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi Councillor Nick Ward has seen the huge infestations of Wallabies firsthand and said they are one of the most significant biosecurity threats facing Waitaha Canterbury. 

“This is urgent, we must act now with a huge knock-down, not a band aid approach. This is a wise use of the reserve funds - a dollar spent now is ten dollars saved later on,” Councillor Nick Ward said. 

Fellow South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi Councillor Peter Scott said local knowledge and coordination is important. 

“I know two people who recently shot 200 wallabies over two days. This is a pest and it's destructive. It’s also a huge area we’re dealing with so we need to work with the community to find a local solution for a local problem. I’m pleased the Council has supported this, which will ultimately benefit the whole region and country.” 

“If left unchecked, wallaby spread would have serious consequences for biodiversity, productive land, and neighbouring regions. Acting now enables us to protect both local communities and the substantial public investment already made” Cr Scott said. 

What the funding will support

Investment will be used for a coordinated package of work across the containment area, including:

• new exclusion fencing
• expanded aerial and ground control
• maintenance operations
• enhanced monitoring and landowner engagement. 

The funding comes from the Council’s Pest Management Reserve. The policy sets a target balance of $1 million, allowing surplus funds to be reinvested into urgent pest management activity without the need to increase rates. 

The work also complements central government investment through the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme, under which nearly $14 million has already been invested in Canterbury. 

The Council will receive progress updates on delivery at the end of each financial year, while longer‑term funding options for wallaby management, including targeted rates, will be considered through the Long‑Term Plan 2027–37. 

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