Pest Management Plan Response Positive

The proposed Regional Pest Management Plan has been getting positive feedback in its final week of consultation.

“Submitters have been largely positive about the direction of the proposed plan, and we have been talking with people who have questions about how it will work in practical terms,” says Mark Mitchell, Principal Biosecurity Advisor.

“There is still time for people to submit or contact us about any concerns.”

The proposed plan has been out for consultation since the beginning of February, and followed a discussion document that had feedback last year. 

Submissions close this Friday, 16 March.  Information and a submission form is online at hbrc.govt.nz, Search #RPMP.

The goal of the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan 2018-38 is to limit the adverse effects of unwanted plants, animals, horticultural and marine pests. These invasive species can have wide ranging effects in Hawke’s Bay on human health, native plants and animals, heritage and economy.

Major changes proposed in the plan are -

• Inclusion of a marine pest management programme.
• Reduction of the catch trap (RTC) rate in Possum Control Areas from 5% to 4%.  
• Addition of ‘good neighbour’ rules for both possums and feral goats.
• Addition of wallabies as an exclusion pest.
• Addition of 6 pest plant species to an exclusion programme, with the aim of preventing them establishing in the Hawke’s Bay region
• A new programme that allows Possum Control Areas to be converted to Predator Control Areas to tackle other pest species.

When finalised, this Plan will replace the current Regional Pest and Phytosanitary Management Strategies.

13 March 2018

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