Biodiversity 1 Biodiversity Protection Programme 1.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress Measure Reporting Period YTD Actual Target * 1 % 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th New high priority wetlands under active management * 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 3 100% New high priority wetlands under partial management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NA NA New high priority bush remnants under active management * 2 0 0 0 6 2 0 8 6 133% New high priority bush remnants under partial management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NA NA Environmental Grants supported * 2 3 7 10 1 4 0 25 25 100% Environmental Grants completed (paid out) 0 2 1 1 5 20 25 25 100% 1.2 Targets - Life to Date Progress Measure Reporting Period LTD Actual LTD Target % 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 5 th 6 th Total high priority wetlands under active management * 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 59 59* 3 100% Total high priority wetlands under partial management 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 NA NA Total high priority bush remnants under active management * 2 0 0 0 6 2 0 118 118* 3 100% Total high priority bush remnants under partial management 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 NA NA * 1 Annual target * 2 AP/LTP targets * 3 Life to date target
Transcript
Biodiversity
1 Biodiversity Protection Programme
1.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period
YTD Actual
Target
*1
%
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
New high priority wetlands under active
management *2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 3 100%
New high priority wetlands under partial management
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NA NA
New high priority bush remnants under
active management *2 0 0 0 6 2 0 8 6 133%
New high priority bush remnants under partial management
Total high priority wetlands under partial management
0 0 0 0 0 0 24 NA NA
Total high priority bush remnants
under active management *2 0 0 0 6 2 0 118 118*3 100%
Total high priority bush remnants under partial management
0 0 0 0 0 0 28 NA NA
*1 Annual target
*2 AP/LTP targets
*3 Life to date target
1.3 Activity Report
General:
1.3.1 The Biodiversity Team have been involved in various planting projects during this period. The annual target for wetlands was met and for bush remnants it was exceeded. Both totals now match the life-to-date targets.
Community/private biodiversity:
1.3.2 Biodiversity-related Environmental Grant and Biodiversity Support applications have been claimed on for the year.
High priority wetlands:
1.3.3 No high priority wetlands were added to the managed list during the reporting period. The total number of high priority wetlands under active management is 59 and the number of sites under partial management is 24.
High priority bush remnants:
1.3.4 No high priority bush remnants were added to the list of actively managed sites during this period. The total number of high priority bush remnants under active management is 118 and the number of sites under partial management is 28.
2.2.1 The first of the new pedestrian bridges was installed on the Fern Walk. This bridge allows complete separation of walkers from the road, thus eliminating one of the most significant health and safety issues in the Regional Park.
Photo 1: The new pedestrian bridge at Totara Reserve Regional Park being lowered into place next to the existing road bridge. Boardwalks will be constructed at either end of the bridge, as will barriers between the boardwalks and the road.
Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park (Manawatu):
2.2.2 Flooding issues in Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park area prompted the AFKP Trust to commission a scoping report focused on potential solutions. Following the release of the report, the Trust has arranged a meeting with Horizons and Manawatu District Council to discuss storm water options for the wider area.
Lower Kahuterawa Stream (Palmerston North):
2.2.3 The entranceway at Kahuterawa Bush has been redeveloped, including installation of picnic tables. The majority of this season’s planting has been completed with the additional funding from Project Crimson.
3.1.1 Full maintenance of all stoat and cat traps has been undertaken on the Manganui o te Ao section of the Whio Security Site over the last two months. Trap checks are being undertaken monthly during the winter months due to lower catch rates.
3.1.2 A second goat cull was carried out by DOC staff on the Whanganui River trench culling 60 goats, which is comparable to previous culls at this time of year. Hunts are scheduled for winter times to avoid peak tourist periods and to target goats when they have not been under pressure from recreational hunters.
3.1.3 Procurement for a three-year panel of suppliers to undertake the core goat control work in the Kia Whārite project area is in progress.
3.1.4 Targeted Tutsan control was undertaken on the Whanganui River Trench; poor weather impeded further programmed weed work. Annual weed control will recommence in spring.
3.1.5 The procurement process for the selection of a contractor to maintain/service the 912 stoat traps in the Retaruke, Aramahoe and Ohorea sites has been completed. The tender was awarded to ‘Mostly Outdoors Ltd’.
3.1.6 All of the older traps at the Retaruke security site are currently being upgraded, with all of the zinc plated traps being replaced with new stainless steel traps. New wire netting is also being fitted as required.
3.1.7 Preparations were made to review the Kia Wharite project after 10 years in operation and look at a revised long term plan.
DOC Community Fund Updates
3.1.8 The third round of the DOC Community Fund closed in June with more than 15 expressions of interests from across the Horizons region. The projects spanned pest control, planting, weed management, interpretation and freshwater restoration. No decision has been received regarding the outcome of these applications at the time of writing this report.
3.1.9 Bushy Park and Castlecliff Coastcare have received their second grant payment and are making good progress toward achieving their milestones for the current reporting period. Bushy Park is focusing efforts on completing the biosecurity plan and trapping infrastructure upgrade for the sanctuary, as well as maintaining rodent audits and managing steady volunteer numbers. Castlecliff Coastcare held a successful community planting day in July.
Conservation week
3.1.10 Planning for Conservation Week is under way with both public and school focused events planned across the region. Discussions are taking place with Horizons and other community groups to partner for opportunities to increase awareness and engagement on conservation and natural resource management.
Manawatu Estuary
3.1.11 Updating the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) for the Manawatu Estuary. The RIS is an online form for all Ramsar sites which provides data on all designated Wetlands of International Importance to allow analysis of Ramsar-listed wetlands and provide baseline
data for measuring changes in the listed wetlands. Manawatu Operations Team has just commenced updating this for the Manawatu site.
3.1.12 DOC has identified Manawatu Estuary as a potential Kiwi Guardian site and further work is underway to develop this.
Horowhenua Reserves
3.1.13 DOC has management responsibilities for several reserves in Horowhenua. Koputaroa, Papaitonga, Omarupapako (Round Bush) and Himatangi Reserves were all monitored using tracking tunnels in July. All showed 0% rat tracking indices (i.e. no rats were recorded). These areas had been baited earlier in the year to keep rat numbers low to protect endemic Powelliphanta snails and other fauna.
Mangaweka Scenic Reserve
3.1.14 Bait stations throughout Mangaweka Scenic Reserve were filled in July and are being refilled as required. This is to protect the parasitic plant Dactylanthus and local mistletoes from rat and possum damage. This reserve has a walking track in it and DOC is working with local business to promote awareness and use of it.
Te Apiti Manawatu Gorge
3.1.15 This July the volunteer stoat trappers in the Gorge completed their seventh year of trapping. During their seven years they have trapped 1,110 rats, 149 stoats (or weasels), 231 hedgehogs, and three feral cats. This is a significant achievement. Each month they check 100 traps. During June and July DOC continued with bait fills and poisoning, targeting rats and possums.
3.1.16 The Business Case for Mountain Bike development options was received in July. Organisations and agencies are considering the report and it will be discussed by the Manawatu Gorge Governance group at their September meeting.
3.1.17 DOC is submitting an internal business case for capital upgrade to parts of the Tawa Loop walking track in 2016/17 due to high use and wear.
3.1.18 A meeting of the Interim Te Apiti Governance Group was held on May 9th. At this meeting discussion was held on the formation of the long-term Governance.
3.1.19 A meeting of the Interim Te Apiti Governance Group was held on May 9th. At this meeting discussion was held on the formation of the long-term Governance.
3.1.20 Planning is underway for an initial meeting of the long-term Te Apiti Governance Group. An invitation to the proposed members has been sent to meet on September 14.
3.1.21 The Te Apiti Working Group met on June 17. Work on budgets and operational plans were undertaken. This group will meet again following the initial Long-term Governance Group meeting.
Ruahine Ranges
3.1.22 In June 14,000 ha in the North Eastern Ruahine Ranges were surveyed for Pinus contorta, and any wilding pines found controlled. Also working were a volunteer group “Palmy Pine Pullers” who have started work on the eastern side of the Ruahine Range.
Pukaha
3.1.23 A staged process to increase community ownership of the successful Pukaha operations, commencing in 2013, has seen DOC handing over the management of the restoration, captive breeding and visitor experience functions within the Pukaha Scenic Reserve to the Pukaha Mount Bruce Board. The visitor centre was transferred from DOC management to the Pukaha Mount Bruce Board in July 2013.
3.1.24 The management of captive species on the site transferred to Board management in 2015 and they receive a grant annually from DOC for this work. The Board established their own Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the forest restoration project. The TAG includes subject experts from DOC and other agencies and have guided the Board’s direction with the project.
3.1.25 On 1 July 2016 the staged handover concluded when the Board engaged an independent contractor to deliver pest control services. DOC will continue to provide technical advice and support to Pukaha Mount Bruce Board and the important buffer work undertaken by Horizons Regional Council and Wellington Regional Council.
Bill Martyn ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER – BIOSECURITY & BIODIVERSITY
4.2.1 All operational work in the 2015-2016 PCO was completed by the end of the financial year. The programme has progressed well again this year with all of the operational input data, reports and associated administration completed to the required standards. Apart from a small number of areas, operational targets continue to be met, with the overall averages across all programmes well inside the predetermined targets.
4.2.2 The 2016-17 PCO will involve control work in 80 x ‘Maintenance Operations’ totalling 856,860 hectares and 5 x ‘Initial Operations’ totalling 55,985 hectares. Thirty five operations will be deferred. The Regional Response Team has the capacity to undertake work in four of the initial operations and 39 x maintenance programmes. The balance of the control work (42 x operations) will be outsourced to ‘approved’ external contractors.
4.2.3 A considerable amount of ‘prep’ work is currently underway in relation to the PCO i.e. the preparation of landowner contact lists and operational maps, VTA permit applications and tender document preparation etc.
4.2.4 The regional map shows all areas under maintenance in the PCO (pink shading), the light blue is the current initial work. Also shown in orange and darker blue is the land where owners have opted out of the programme. This amounts to less than 10% of the total area worked. The common reason for opting out is mainly due to owners preferring to carry out their own control. As demonstrated in the map these areas become isolated by the PCO allowing the management of possum migration.
4.2.5 A meeting with OSPRI was set up for early July to discuss the retirement of nearly 400,000 hectares of Tb Free controlled land in the Northern part of the region. The meeting will involve HRC CE and staff and OSPRI’s CE and the Tb Free National Operations Manager.
Eric Dodd ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ANIMALS)
Map 1: Draft PCO 2016-2017 (Year 11)
5 Rooks
5.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period
YTD Actual
Target %
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
a. Existing rook colonies (rookeries) 84 69 - - - - 69 Record 0%
b. New sites - - - - - - - Record 0%
Total rook colonies (rookeries) (a + b) 84 69 - - - - 69 Record 0%
Ground based rook control operations 0 0 2 2 - - 2
-
Report ground control efficacy (% estimated kill)
NA - 90% - - - 90% 90%
Ensure all contractual obligations are completed before annual rook control programme begins
Yes - - - - - Yes
Contract signed
with aerial provider
100%
*1 AP/LTP targets
5.2 Activity Report
5.2.1 No rook control work was undertaken during the reporting period.
5.2.2 Planning work is underway for the 2017 aerial nest baiting programme.
Eric Dodd ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ANIMALS)
Map 2: Rook distribution post control November 2015
6 Amenity Pests
6.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period YTD
Actual Target % 1
st 2
nd 3
rd 4
th 5th 6
th
Manage and record all amenity pest enquiries using Frontline corporate
database *1
88 164 203 140 92 36 723 Record 100%
Respond to all enquiries within 48 hours of
receipt *1 88 164 203 140 92 36 723 100% 100%
Close out or action all enquiries within 5 working days of receipt
88 164 203 140 92 36 723 100% 100%
Report on all amenity pest enquiries Reported below
*1 AP/LTP targets
6.2 Activity Report
6.2.1 A total of 65 enquiries were received over the reporting period (June-July 2016). The numbers entered into the tables in this section reflect the enquiries received to the 30
th June
2016.
6.2.2 The highest percentage of enquiries were from land owners in the Manawatu District followed by the Tararua, Wanganui and Horowhenua Districts.
6.2.3 All landowners making enquiries were contacted/visited within the prescribed timeframes and provided with advice, equipment (traps etc) or small amounts of toxins to help them deal with their particular pest issue.
Possums Mustelid Magpie Rabbit Rook Cat All Other
This Year 11 4 5 2 1 4 9
Last Year 34 6 7 10 2 18 11
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Pest Animal Enquiry Summary by Pest Typefor Period June 2016
Graph 1: Pest Animal Enquiry Summary – by Pest Type
ManawatuPalmerston
NorthTararua Rangitikei Wanganui Ruapehu
Horowhenua
District 12 3 7 4 5 0 5
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Pest Animal Enquiry Summary by District for Period June 2016
Graph 2: Pest Animal Enquiry Summary – by District
Photo 2: A ‘possum master’ trap set in an urban garden. (R Wilman)
Eric Dodd ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ANIMALS)
7.2.1 The last of the eleven rabbit night counts were completed in mid June. Although the overall average of rabbits counted per kilometre was slightly up on the last count (2012), rabbit numbers remain low across the region.
7.2.2 The last of the PCO trend monitors were completed over the reporting period. The overall results from this year’s monitoring were good with the four ex-TB Free operations returning an average result of 2.33% RTCi (against a target of 5% RTCi) and the fifteen ‘initial’ operations returning an average result of 6.53% RTCi (against a target of 10% RTCi).
7.2.3 An approach has been made to Landcare for assistance in designing a monitor program to test the validity of the current monitoring regime. This should test whether or not the PCO programme has been effective in achieving its targets.
Monitor results for the life of the Possum Control Operation Ex-TB free operations 5% target Initial operations 10% target
2.16% average (34 monitors) 4.71% average (51 monitors)
Overall average 3.79% (95 monitors)
Eric Dodd ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR (ANIMALS)
Map 3: 2015-16 PCO monitoring map.
7.3 Biosecurity Activity (Animals) Summary
Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date
Possum Control Operation
Operational implementation
2015-16 operational work commenced
VTA Permits for the 2016-17 PCO have been completed.
Success indicators
All 2015-16 PCO monitors were completed
Data management All 2015-16 post-operational reports were completed
GPS data uploaded into GIS database
Rook Management
Aerial nest baiting Planning work for the 2017 aerial nest baiting work is
underway.
Ground control Two ground operations successfully completed and
two others attempted.
Rook database Reviewed and updated
Amenity Pest Programme
Respond to enquiries/complaints within agreed timeframes.
Frontline database reviewed daily
Individual enquiries actioned
Database updated regularly
Environment Committee Report
Assist landowners with advice on appropriate pest control techniques.
Ongoing – advice provided as appropriate
Loan trap and other equipment supplied
Initiate appropriate enforcement action against land occupiers who do not comply with strategy rules.
No action required to date
Ensure that information on control methods for amenity pests is available on Horizons’ website.
Ongoing (updated as required)
Animal Pest Monitoring Programme
Possum Control Operation 2015-16 monitoring plan completed
The 2016-17 monitoring plan is being developed
RPAMS (Regional Pest Animal Management Strategy) Monitoring Report
Rabbit night counts were completed.
Biosecurity Activity (Plants)
8 Zero Density/Containment Species
8.1 Activity Report
8.1.1 Species worked on during this reporting period include cathedral bells, Chilean rhubarb, banana passionfruit, climbing spindleberry, evergreen buckthorn and Pinus contorta.
8.1.2 This period sees a large amount of planning for the season ahead getting underway. One of the major priorities is contact of land owners affected by our control programmes. We also have a number of cross agency work programmes were we aim for a coordinated approach across the landscape to best protect the shared asset of pest plant free areas.
Climbing spindleberry
8.1.3 One of the lesser known pest plants in our region which had the potential to expand and affect forestry production as well as biodiversity values is being well contained through ongoing Horizons control. Well known elsewhere to invade forestry and grow to heights and with a vine size able to create hang ups, we have found the below site in good time. Originally favoured by landscapers for its stunning autumn foliage and planted in larger gardens and especially well suited to rural homesteads, this plant is now banned from sale. Spread is via bird dispersal and as such is randomly scattered from known sites, though distance is usually limited. We search for this plant during its highly visible stage from May – June and either treat then or return in spring to treat the new growth. We currently have 96 sites in the region with 65% of sites at zero-density.
Photo 3: Jack Keast spraying newly discovered climbing spindleberry established within forestry from an old homestead site, (J.Keast).
Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants
9 Production Species
9.1 Activity Report
9.1.1 Complaints or enquiries were received about blackberry, broom and gorse.
9.1.2 We had four boundary complaints over this period, and we issued two ‘request to clear’ notices for woolly nightshade.
Woolly nightshade
9.1.3 Winter is a great time to focus on woolly nightshade as it remains leafy and becomes more visible against other winter foliage. Control is relatively straight forward for occupiers though without chemicals to kill the root system regrowth is rampant. This requirement to use chemicals is a challenge for some occupiers and we generally assist these people and encourage them to get in early and pull seedlings if others turn up. Urban and peri-urban areas can be challenging for staff as the number of properties is large, that type of landscape is good for hiding plants, and there seems to be less engagement with the impact of pest plants. The rural community have an ability to respond to woolly nightshade’s spread, especially when motivated by what the plant can do to otherwise good farmland. In the image below you’ll note the effect of woolly nightshade’s allopathic qualities on the pasture under the plant. Woolly nightshade’s ability to transform large areas via bird dispersal introductions and then incremental increases by removing competition is well known.
Photo 4: Woolly nightshade in rural Whanganui poisoning pasture due to allopathic transformation, (R.Sicely).
Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants
10 Biological Control
10.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period YTD
Actual 1st 2
nd 3
rd 4
th 5
th 6th
Monitor and report on bio agent release sites - sites inspected
0 3 12 4 20 0 39
Monitor and report on bio agent release sites - new releases/transfers
0 - 13 6 0 0 19
10.2 Activity Report
10.2.1 No biological monitoring or assessment work was undertaken in this period.
Green thistle beetle
10.2.2 We are planning for a large release programme of green thistle beetles this summer to satisfy the outstanding demand for thistle agents. As such we have met with one of the AgResearch scientists who along with Beef and Lamb NZ drove demand due to their successful Californian thistle field days. AgResearch are keen to be involved in our region and conduct impact monitoring of some of our successfully established populations.
Field horsetail
10.2.3 The horsetail weevil rearing is progressing well and on track for the first release later this year – tentatively pencilled for December. The Rangitikei Horsetail Group will be meeting shortly and will decide exactly when and where this might occur.
10.2.4 Currently Landcare Research hold two small populations of the horsetail weevil as larvae / pre pupae in Landcare Research’s containment, Lincoln, under winter conditions (<5C). These are first and second generation from UK field collected adults. EPA approval to release Grypus equiseti came after these groups had been transferred in to winter conditions so we have let them remain there, in containment, until we are ready to make the first field release when they will be warmed and new adults emerge. MPI approval to release these populations from containment (EPA grants approval to release the species, MPI grants approval to release EACH shipment) will take place shortly. The Landcare scientist is unsure how many weevils we will have emerge – I am hopeful of enough to make a good first release but we’re also mindful we will need some to adequately seed the rearing programme outside of containment as well.
10.2.5 To bolster both weevil numbers and genetic diversity of the rearing population Landcare also received a further shipment from the UK in July. These have been placed onto fresh horsetail growth and are feeding and ovipositing well with first larvae already observed. This population too will need to be acclimatised and re-phased to southern hemisphere conditions so progeny of these newly imported individuals will not be available for removal from containment to field release or contribute to the rearing colony until 2017-18.
OMB bark beetle
10.2.6 Landcare Research have provided Horizons with a project milestone timeframe for assessing the bark beetles host specificity within containment. Landcare aim to import bark beetles into containment at Lincoln early next year to begin host specificity testing of New Zealand native Clematis species. They have already accumulated good numbers of Clematis test plants but will continue to source further, suitable plants over coming months. This shipment should also provide enough beetles to attempt establishing a population within containment. There is much about the biology of this beetle that is not known so rearing may prove difficult.
Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants
11 Non-rateable Land & Crown Agencies
11.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period YTD
Actual Target %
1st 2
nd 3
rd 4
th 5
th 6
th
MOU/Liaison progress 1 4 2 3 0 1 11 12 92%
11.2 Activity Report
We liaise with the following agencies: LINZ, DOC, KiwiRail, NZ Defence Force, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), Palmerston North City Council and Whanganui, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Tararua and Horowhenua district councils. We also meet annually with neighbouring regional councils to discuss boundary pest control issues.
11.2.1 Staff met with Tararua District Council to discuss the up coming season of pest plant control. We also enquired about worksite requirements and health and safety stipulations when working within their road corridor.
Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants
12 Surveillance
12.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period YTD
Actual %
1st 2
nd 3
rd 4
th 5
th 6th
Survey and inspect all nurseries for National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) listed weeds
0 - - - - - 0 NA
Report all discoveries and action taken Reported below
Survey and record status of all known and new Surveillance species sites
26 - - - - - 26 NA
New sites 0 - - 11 2 - 0 NA
Total sites 26 - - 37 39 39 39 NA
Zero Density progress (cumulative sites at Zero Density)
18 - - - - 18 18 46%
12.2 Activity Report
Velvetleaf
12.2.1 Staff presented with MPI at Bulls, 6th July, to a public meeting with around 30 attendees
about velvetleaf in our region. Staff talked about what we found, what to look for in the coming months, and also the farm management decisions required in the short term to achieve the goal of eliminating the infestations. We had a low turn out from affected farmers in the morning session with the majority arriving later for one on one meetings to go through a farm plan process. There was a good cross-section of industry representation from seed reps, contractors and support organisations such as DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and HortNZ.
12.2.2 Management of the infestations has been structured into farm plans which identify the farmer as central to the success of containing and eliminating this pest. Paddock utilisation, crop choice, cultivation, machinery hygiene and surveillance are all components of the farm plan. Of the 12 affected farm managers, four made the trip to Bulls and completed farm plans. We are undertaking to complete farm plans with the remaining eight farmers over the coming weeks. The majority of farmers are keen to work with the process to manage what they have.
12.2.3 An OIA request of MPI to release a further list of the four other implicated fodder beet lines has seen an increase in the implicated farmers within our region. Staff have yet to communicate this information with identified farmers as we wait for a mandate. The ramifications of releasing the list at this time of the crop cycle are that we have no idea whether plants are present or not, so we must assume the entire cropped area is infected and intervene/plan accordingly. This is not a good news story, though at least we have some idea of where surveillance needs to take place this coming spring.
Craig Davey Natural Resources and Partnerships Coordinator - Plants
13 Awareness & Promotion
13.1 Targets – Year to Date Progress
Measure Reporting Period YTD
Actual 1st 2
nd 3
rd 4
th 5
th 6
th
Report on all awareness and promotional
activity *1 45 88 186 120 63 23 525
*1 AP/LTP targets
13.2 Activity Table
Activity What
Talks to groups Velvetleaf public meeting and one on one workshop of farm plans
Field days
Media articles Velvetleaf workshop, Stuff.co.nz article
13.3 Activity report
Graph 3: Pest plant enquiries - summary
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Production Zero-Density Freshwater Surveillance Non-Strategy
7 7
0
1
8
Frontlines: June - July 2016
13.3.1 The main topics of enquiry during this period were:
PRODUCTION Enquiry about gorse on boundaries
ZERO-DENSITY Old man’s beard and banana passionfruit
FRESHWATER No enquiries this period
SURVEILLANCE Field horsetail
NON-STRATEGY Privet and unknown plants creating problems
Craig Davey NATURAL RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR - PLANTS
13.4 Biosecurity Activity (Plants) Summary
Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date
Nature Central (NC) Wilding Conifer Implementation Plan
Work with NC partners and other stakeholders to: 1. Form plan
2. Activity planning and tracking sheet
3. Annual meeting scheduled.
Annual meeting held, maps produced, alignment with programmes achieved.
Waimarino TNP Darwin’s barberry control programme
Organise joint work programme alongside DOC.
Programme underway. We have good cooperation and alignment with DOC.
Decide on the best actions Horizons can take to arrest the spread and impact of YBG on the Region.
Beginning to disseminate best practice information to road managers. Topic of meeting with NZTA. Staff assessed infected roadside management options in the Waikato.
Rangitikei Horsetail Group
Assist group financially and with actions as required.
EPA approves field horsetail weevil for release into New Zealand.
Tutsan Action Group Assist group financially and with actions as required.
EPA approves Tutsan agents for release.
Agent assessment project
1. Workable structure established for Horizons staff to implement
2. Tutsan assessment sites established.
3. Other plants planned and criteria established.
Horizons’ protocol for regional and national assessment protocol commitments has been established. Broom gall mite report compiled and sent to Landcare Research.
Desert Road Invasive Legume Control Group
Relationship between parties maintained.
MOU completed
Coordinated action in priority areas is undertaken against the target species.
Annual meeting held in late September, collaborative approach to weed infestation management occurring between parties. Work of the various parties is progressing through the spray season.
Check, Clean, Dry (CCD) advocacy programme
1. Establish season plan
2. Establish register of relationships to be managed to enable wide community uptake of message.
