Friday 30 October 2015
War on weeds win
The ‘War on Weeds’ site, run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Gisborne District Council, proved to be a
popular attraction at this year’s A Show winning the Best Site 2015.
“We feel confident that we gave people a new insight into weeds and pests in our region and it was fantastic that we won
best site,” says DOC’s conservation partnerships manager De-Arne Sutherland.
“We encourage everyone to roll up their sleeves and join forces to fight against invasive weeds in the campaign launched
by the Minister of Conservation in August.”
Council and DOC are working together to increase knowledge of weed control and awareness of pest management in the
district.
Council’s shared services science manager, Lois Easton, says Council are working on a new regional weed and animal pest
management plan for the Gisborne district.
“We are very keen to get feedback from the community about how we can manage pest issues.”
Council has outlined the issues and possible solutions in a discussion document that was available at the Show and now
on Council’s website.
“There has been good success nationally in combatting bovine TB and that a more site specific or targeted approach might
be appropriate in our region.”
“There are four options for how we could deliver possum control for the purpose of bovine TB vector control.”
“The discussion document proposes a stronger focus on weed and pest management in urban and township areas.”
Marine and freshwater pests are also proposed as a significant focus, Ms Easton says new pests such as didymo and
Mediterranean fanworm have become significant pests.
“Feedback from the community will be used to create the draft Regional Pest Management Plan in early 2016.”
People can comment on what they want to see in plan from now until Friday 27 November.
A copy of the discussion document and feedback form is available from customer services in Fitzherbert Street, Te Puia
Springs and the Library or online at www.gdc.govt.nz .
To find out more about the “War on Weeds” go to www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/war-on-weeds .
ENDS