Wilding pines are invasive conifers spreading rapidly across Canterbury.
They crowd out native plants, reduce water availability, raise wildfire risk and permanently change landscapes.
Wilding pines, or wilding conifers, are the wrong trees in the wrong place. More than a quarter of Aotearoa New Zealand is at risk of being smothered by these invasive pests, which affect ancient native landscapes, unique biodiversity and productive soils.
The Wilding Pine Programme coordinates wilding pine control across Waitaha Canterbury, supporting landowners, communities and partners to prevent spread and protect land, water and biodiversity.
Quick facts
🌲 What are wilding pines? Self-seeded conifer trees growing where they shouldn’t.
💨 Why do they spread fast? Lightweight seeds travel long distances on the wind and establish quickly.
⏱️ Why does early control matter? Stopping seed spread early reduces costs and prevents long-term damage to land, water and biodiversity across Waitaha Canterbury.Why wilding pines are a problem
Support, partnerships and guidance
Explore practical guidance, real examples and updates from across the programme:
Advice and planning support
- Need help? If you have any questions about wilding pines, please contact our biosecurity team at 0800 324 636 or email biosecurity@ecan.govt.nz
Partners and governance
- National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP): Wilding pine control is delivered through strong partnerships between central and local government, mana whenua, landowners, communities and industry. Learn more about the programme
Supporting content
- Case studies: See real examples of how wilding pines are being controlled across Waitaha Canterbury
- FAQs: Answers to common questions about wilding pine control, responsibilities and support in Waitaha Canterbury
- Programme updates: Latest updates on wilding pine control work, funding, and programme activity across Waitaha Canterbury