The Government, through the Ministry for Primary Industries/Biosecurity NZ, has been running the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme since 2016, leading and coordinating stakeholders around the country, understanding the profile of infestation and future vulnerability and planning control efforts.
The aim is to achieve sustainable management:
- Coordinate efforts and harness skills across multiple agencies in central and local government alongside other stakeholders
- Develop and maintain information systems to monitor infestations and areas at risk from invasion and to support control planning
- Improve prevention through raising community awareness and promoting best practices in the planting of conifers.
In 2016, the government pledged $16 million over 4 years for the first phase of a national control programme. This was used to tackle wilding conifers in the highest priority areas. Budget 2020 allocated further Crown funding of $100 million over 4 years to expand the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.
The Whakatipu is divided into six wilding control management units (MU) within the programme.
- Whakatipu
- Kawarau
- Shotover
- Glenorchy
- Remarkables
- Northern Eyres
Each year, after extensive local operational planning and prioritising, a bid is placed for National Programme funding for each MU in our district. Successful funding is then distributed through a funding agreement with Otago Regional Council.
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The right tree in the right place
The New Zeland Wilding Conifer Management Strategy 2015-2030
“The consequences of doing nothing to stop this spread are profound.”
