The why & how of pest management

Pest plants and animals are one of the greatest threats to the region’s remaining indigenous biodiversity.

Towards Predator-Free Taranaki

This initiative builds on existing pest-control and biodiversity programmes to ensure Taranaki's native flora and fauna can thrive and increase.

Find out more about Towards Predator-Free Taranaki

Introduced animals such as feral goats and deer eat native vegetation and damage habitats that are important to other native species.

Possums are a major threat to both native flora and fauna and can also transmit bovine TB to domestic livestock.  Effective TB control requires possum numbers to be kept extremely low.

Mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels) pose a significant threat to our indigenous biodiversity, particularly indigenous fauna species. They can also have a considerable negative impact on primary production.

Many introduced plant species compete with native plants for space and resources changing native habitats, resulting in further biodiversity losses.

Pest Management Plan & Biosecurity Strategy

The Council's pest management activities are guided by the Regional Pest Management Plan for Taranaki and the TRC Biosecurity Strategy. 

The Plan is the Council's 'rulebook' that targets specific pests for eradication or sustained control in the region. The Strategy outlines our broader biosecurity goals and actions, covering all pests and harmful organisms, not just those in the Plan.

Pest animals

The Council’s main focus for pest animal control is possum control through our Self-help Possum Control and Urban Possum Control programmes, as well as mustelid control implemented through the Towards Predator-Free Taranaki programme. 

We also monitor the management of other pests in the region and assist the Department of Conservation (DOC) to eradicate four species of exotic fish from our waterways. DOC is a very good source of information on how to stop the spread of pest fish in New Zealand.

Potential pests

Some species have potential to become new pests. The rainbow lorikeet, for example introduced parrot competes with native birds, dominating food sources and nesting sites. and damaging fruit crops. See the Ministry for Primary Industries website for more details.

Pest plants

Each pest plant identified has a management programme according to its designation. Our focus is on controlling pest plants categorised for eradication and containment

If you are unsure about your obligations in managing pest plants or for help and advice, contact our Environment Services team