Media Release
July 7, 2016

Mayor calls for Weed Management Policy review

Auckland Mayor Len Brown today announced a review of the council’s Weed Management Policy after a petition was received at the Regional Policy and Strategy Committee meeting.

The petition, signed by 3696 people, calls on the council to stop using glyphosate sprays on the city’s roads and parks.

Auckland is one of the weediest cities in the world and Auckland Council has a responsibility to manage the effects of weeds on the city’s biodiversity, primary production and infrastructure.

“There is some community concern about the use of glyphosate and our current policy is not as clear as it could be about what weed control methods we use, where we use them and why we use them,” says Mayor Brown.

“As a responsible council we need to respond to that concern while still controlling weeds in the most appropriate ways possible. A review of the policy will be helpful and is a good start on the best way forward.”

Auckland Council uses a range of weed management techniques, including glyphosate.

Technical specialists determine which method to use based on efficacy, cost and the impact on the environment.

The council strictly follows the rules set down by the Environmental Protection Authority which approves the use of glyphosate in New Zealand for the control of specific weed species.

All methods used by the council comply with national standards and industry best practice.

Glyphosate is commonly used by the public under the brand name Roundup, available off the shelf at supermarkets and garden centres.

“I am sure those who have signed the petition will welcome the review and the opportunity to take part in the process,” says Mayor Brown.

“I will work with the committee chair George Wood to get the review underway immediately and a report will be made to the September committee meeting.”

ENDS

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