plants is eradication. Another 11 plants and two animals are classed as sustained control pests, which means the land owner or occupier is responsible. Of the active direct control sites, 43% are moth plant, 37% madeira vine, 13% giant reed, 7% climbing spindleberry with just two sites of Senegal tea. Pest plants are a huge threat to Taranaki’s native biodiversity as they smother native plants and spread easily, which makes control an ongoing challenge. “Unfortunately it’s rarely a quick fix. With
the potential to be disastrous for Taranaki. If it were to become established in one of our lakes or rivers it would be virtually impossible to remove so people really need to take this seriously.” The clams are prolific breeders, able to produce up to 70,000 juveniles a year. They can clog water-based infrastructure, such as electricity generation plants, irrigation systems and water treatment plants. They also compete with native species for food and space. Any water users moving from the
(LAWA) and Council websites. Council Water Quality Scientist Angela Collins says as water conditions can change quickly, swimmers should take simple precautions to keep themselves, their families and pets healthy. “The biggest one is to avoid swimming for three days after heavy or prolonged rainfall. That means any rain that leads to surface run-off, where you might see lots of water flowing in the gutters. “Rain washes pollutants, including animal and bird faeces, from the land into rivers, lakes
Are you a bus user or would like to start using public transport? Or is road safety and how speed is managed something you want to talk about? Or do you want more opportunities for walking or getting out and about on your bike? Taranaki Regional Council has launched a wide-ranging community conversation giving everyone in the region the chance to have a say on the future of transport with the views helping to shape public transport, cycling and walking, road speeds and safety. Council Chair
District councils can work with Taranaki schools to help them minimise their own waste, as well as educating pupils about waste minimisation and recycling. Did you know most schools in the Taranaki region receive recycling bins and collection of recyclables for free? District councils may be able to offer advice or assistance in setting up a recycling system, improving your current system or any other area of waste minimisation you may need. To find out what's available and who to talk to, go
New Plymouth has far fewer rats than it did five years ago, thanks to the efforts of thousands of dedicated backyard trappers. Towards Predator-Free Taranaki recently carried out its annual rat tracking monitoring at nine sites across the city. At each site 10 tracking tunnels were baited with peanut butter and left out for one fine night. In the morning, prints on an inked card revealed whether there were rodents or other creatures present. This year rats were detected at just 13% of the
Taranaki residents are being urged to be cautious around rivers, with potentially toxic cyanobacteria detected earlier in the season than usual. Taranaki Regional Council has found exposed mats of cyanobacteria in four rivers - the Manganui, Waingongoro, Kaupokonui and Waiwhakaiho rivers - raising health concerns for both swimmers and pets. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is a naturally occurring algae that often grows in rivers on rocks as thick brown or black mats. It has the
assessment of options or
further analysis of costs and benefits, or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
Bailey/Filbee
Policy and Planning Committee - Confirmation of Policy and Planning Minutes - 29 April 2025
6
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Source Water Management Areas
J Harvey presented the three options for managing water risk management areas in the development
of the Land and Freshwater Plan.
Resolved
That the Taranaki Regional Council:
categories are below and more details about the winners and highly commended awardees, including video profiles, can be found at www.trc.govt.nz/award-winners/ Environmental Action in the Community: Rāhui Tīma - For working collaboratively to take action to protect or enhance the environment, or increasing understanding of environmental issues. This project is protecting shellfish along 70km of the Taranaki coastline, from the Herekawe Stream in New Plymouth to the Taungātara Stream just south of
Have you seen a dead or unhealthy kahikatea tree in Taranaki? Kahikatea (white pine) around the North Island are dying and experts are trying to figure out why. There have been reports of trees dying across the North Island and we’re aware of a handful of affected trees in Taranaki. We need to hear if there are more. Please keep an eye out and report any kahikatea: With yellow, brown or lost leaves, bare branches
That are stalky, rotting or appear unhealthy or dead How to report it: Email a