Plant pests threaten our region’s native plants, for example, in our forests and wetlands. Many are also a nuisance to farmers, in suburban gardens and may cause health problems in some people. It’s important we control plant pests and stop them from spreading. Find out about plant pests in the Waikato region, how to recognise them and check out our tips for control.
On this page:
For more information on the complete list of plant pests, check out the Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS).
Contact your plant pest contractor
Environment Waikato contracts Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractors in seven areas of the Waikato region. The contractors are responsible for:
- enforcement
- biological control
- direct control
- monitoring
- surveillance.
Find out who your local Biosecurity Plant Pest Contractor is and their contact details.
Factsheets
Material contained on this website is available as hard copy factsheets. Use our factsheets order form to order your own copies free of charge. The list of pest plant factsheets including the most recent RPMS policy and control information can be found here.
Weedbusters
Weedbusters is an inter-agency weeds awareness and education programme designed to protect New Zealand against the spread of invasive weeds. The Weedbusters vision is that all New Zealanders are aware of and take action to reduce the spread of weeds and their impact on the environment, economy and human health.
To find out more visit www.weedbusters.org.nz.
Weedbusters can help you in the fight against weeds by:
- helping you recognise weeds
- providing information on ways to prevent weeds from getting established
- providing information on methods to control weeds
- providing information on ways to safely dispose of weeds
- providing support for Weedbusters groups.
2010 Waikato Weedbusters awards
Nominations for the 2010 Regional Weedbusters Awards are now open!
Weedbusters Awards are about recognising the dedication and commitment of community groups, organisations and individuals. The awards pay tribute to 'local heroes' who give their time to enhance the environment, and who help raise awareness of weed issues within the community.
Everyone who volunteers their time to weedbusting is eligible for an award, and anyone can put forward nominations. If you know and value the efforts of a group or individual then make sure you nominate them; or if you feel that you or your group has been putting in good work, don't be shy - please feel free to nominate yourself. Entry is open to all who volunteer their time toward weed management and education. Volunteers may be dedicated individuals, part of a community group, or an industry/organisation.
The awards recognise weed management initiatives across all land types: private, public, rural, urban and coastal. They also recognise weed awareness and education efforts.
For more information on the awards please go to: http://www.weedbusters.co.nz/awards/award_guidelines.asp
A copy of the entry form which is also available from www.weedbusters.co.nz If you would like more information or help with a nomination please contact weedbusters.
Weedbusters resources available from Environment Waikato
- Weedbusting booklet - free.
- Weedbusting tool kit - for Weedbusters groups to borrow.
- Weedbusters small scale initiative funding.
- Weedbusters storybook - $10.
Contact the Weedbusters Regional Coordinator on Environment Waikato's Freephone 0800 800 401.
Further information
Planning pest plant control? See section 6.2 of the Regional Plan for rules on spray drift.
Environment Waikato pest guide
You can download the Environment Waikato pest guide in pdf format below:
Pest guide - section 1 Eradication Pest Plants (Environment Waikato Control - 0800 BIOSECURITY)
(1086 kb, 155 seconds to download, 56k modem)
Pest guide - section 2 Containment Pest Plants (occupier control)
(1771 kb, 253 seconds to download, 56k modem)
Pest guide - section 3 Potential Pest Plants
(1255 kb, 179 seconds to download, 56k modem)
Pest guide - section 4 Nuisance Pest Plants
(613 kb, 87 seconds to download, 56k modem)
You can also download a factsheet on plant pest control methods in PDF format below.
Plant pest control methods
(148 kb, 21 seconds to download, 56k modem)
|
The National Pest Plant Accord
A compilation of common pest plants, what their impact on the environment is and how to control them.
Download the National Pest Plant Accord from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. |
|
Plant Me Instead – Plants to use in place of common pest plants (free)
A booklet of ideas on what plants you can use to replace plant pests. When removing plant pests it’s important to replace them with more suitable plants. This helps prevent plant pests from coming back. This booklet has been produced specifically for the northern climate zone (northern half of the North Island).
'What makes a pest a pest'? – A guide to Waikato’s pest management future (free) (730 kb, 104 seconds to download, 56k modem) download the PDF file or order for free from our offices.
Find out about Environment Waikato’s Pest Management Strategy and check out what plants are pests in the Waikato region.
Poisonous Plants and Fungi in New Zealand– A guide for parents, schools and child minders ($15.00 includes GST)
Many plants we have in our gardens are poisonous. Find out which plants and fungi are poisonous and what action needs to be taken should poisoning occur. |
 |
Check out our biosecurity publications for more publications on this topic.
Related websites