Hearing for honeysuckle stem-boring beetle application

27 May 2015

Hearing for honeysuckle stem-boring beetle application

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advises a hearing is scheduled for an application to release the honeysuckle stem-boring beetle Oberea shirahatai, as part of a biological control programme against the weed Japanese honeysuckle.

The application has been submitted by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, which represents 12 regional councils/unitary authorities and the Department of Conservation (DOC).

The applicant states Japanese honeysuckle is a weed of concern throughout New Zealand, particularly in the North Island. It is designated as an A-category invasive weed by DOC and is spreading rapidly into public conservation land.

The hearing will be held on Wednesday 10 June at Willeston Conference Centre, Level 7, 22–28 Willeston St, Wellington. It will commence at 10am and is expected to adjourn at approximately 1pm.

At the end of all presentations by the EPA and submitters, the Decision-making Committee will adjourn the hearing and make its decision. A final decision is usually made within 30 working days but may be longer if further information is sought by the Committee. The decision will be available on the EPA website.

View application details and information

The EPA’s role is to decide on applications for new organisms under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. We assess the benefits, risks and costs of releasing new organisms to safeguard people and the environment.

ENDS

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