Read about how we protect the region's rivers and biodiversity from weed infestation.
Managing pests and biosecurity threats
We are acting early and working in partnership to protect indigenous biodiversity, economic production and mahinga kai from harm caused by pests.
We control plants and animals that have a negative impact on our natural environment through the implementation of the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan. We report annually (PDF file, 1.6MB) on our progress.
To do this, we partner with Ngāi Tahu, landowners, communities and industry to promote pest management, develop an awareness of pest threats and encourage community action.
Our Biodiversity Advisory Groups are community groups that have been established to provide advice and support for regional biosecurity programme delivery in their respective regions.
We also contribute to local, regional and national biodiversity partnerships, such as the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme, Wallaby Management Programme and South Island Councils’ Biosecurity Alliance, which enable us to share knowledge and resources and deliver programmes that are more efficient and better connected.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
As part of this Level of Service we will:
- 14.1 Implement the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan (CRPMP)
- 14.2 Implement surveillance, investigations and pathway management initiatives to reduce the risk of pests and other invasive organisms establishing in Canterbury
- 14.3 Empower individuals and the community to assume responsibility for and take action to address biosecurity issues
How are we doing: We’re on track, working to gather spatial data, numbers and density information on various species. We are continuing to assess organisms so they can be prioritised for future management. We are also working with biodiversity teams to review site-led programmes. We are working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to implement the Check, Clean, Dry surveillance programme during the summer months.
We have undertaken community engagement with over 35 activities occurring in the first half of the financial year, including attending A&P shows and the sustainable festival in Timaru. We have also facilitated a community meeting to discuss the occurrence and spread of the succulent pest known as ‘pigs ear’ on Banks Peninsula.
How are we doing on our key initiatives?
How are we doing: A further $4.1 million of funding has been obtained for wilding conifer work in Canterbury from the Department of Conservation’s International Visitor Levy Fund. The team is on track to deliver in all existing and new operational areas.
Find out more about how we manage wilding conifers.
Download document: Wilding conifers - What you need to know (PDF file, 945KB).
How are we doing: The harvest of stage one is complete. Staff walked the 500 metre strip surrounding the park and removed all visible wilding conifers spreading from the park. However, due to dense scrub, this will be repeated in March. We have updated stakeholders and the community on the works completed and next steps. Slash left by the harvest has been partially chipped and tidied. Reinstatement of recreational tracks damaged or covered with slash during the harvest operation has been undertaken
How are we doing: We hold the funds for the control work within our region, targeting the pests both inside and outside of a 900,000 hectare containment zone.
We have obtained consent for a wallaby fence and 20 km of the fence has now been completed. Planning is underway, including hui with Arowhenua and Waihao, for the winter 2024 baiting programme, and we have made a registration application to Ministry of Primary Industries for the new “Pestex” 1080 bait.
Recent highlights and updates
Part of the windswept Kaitōrete has been cleared of hedgehogs to protect vulnerable wildlife, in a proof of concept that’s thought to be a national first.
With artificial intelligence taking the internet by storm in recent months, our biosecurity team have taken the first steps to use it to identify pest plants.
Environment Canterbury and our partners have made great progress under the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, but there is still plenty more to do.