National Interest Pest Responses: A working partnership
John Dodgson locates white bryony at
Aria, Waikato. Photo: Jaap Knegtmans.
Working partnerships are key to ensuring that the MAF-led National Interest Pest Responses (NIPR) achieve their goal of eradication.
Each of the NIPR species operational plans have been developed to reflect the pivotal role biosecurity agencies are playing in work on the ground. Operational agreements have been developed between MAF and regional councils, and MAF and area offices of the Department of Conservation (DOC), with the agencies undertaking the delivery of control in the field for many of the NIPR species.
Northland, Auckland, Environment Waikato and Greater Wellington regional councils are all working on the eradication or containment of Manchurian wild rice (Zizania latifolia). A best practice workshop held in Northland recently provided a first-hand look at the scale of the Manchurian wild rice problem in the region. The workshop also provided a forum for discussion of practical field techniques that were proving effective, promising control methods that needed further development, and barriers that are limiting progress and how these can be overcome.
Hawke’s Bay recently hosted a phragmites (Phragmites australis) best practice workshop, bringing together practitioners from both Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Environment Canterbury, with scientists from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the response manager from MAF. This, too, looked at control and management issues, and ways in which all those working to eradicate phragmites can combine forces for greater effect, for example, the bulk sourcing of herbicide.
In the Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Waikato, DOC and regional council staff are working on white bryony (Bryonia cretica ssp dioica) and pyp grass (Ehrharta villosa) respectively. This allows those involved to build on previous experience with these species, and bring to bear an increased focus on total eradication.
Working partnerships extend beyond the key biosecurity partners. Landowners and managers are also vital participants. This has been highlighted in both the Manchurian wild rice and the pyp grass work. Several sites of the pests occur within production forests, and require ongoing, close liaison with the owners to ensure that the pests are not spread as a result of forest management activities.
Eradication of the NIPR species is a big task, but with partners working together, it makes it all the more achievable.
- Victoria Lamb, Senior Adviser Pest Management, victoria.lamb@maf.govt.nz
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Page last updated: 12 June 2008