As part of our TBfree programme we deliver our pest control operations through a framework of TB management areas (TMAs). TMAs are areas with known TB infection in livestock or wildlife. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.
The Conway-Waiau TMA covers 137,830 hectares between the Waiau and Conway Rivers. The area includes the Waiau township and Amuri Range, which was one of the earliest areas of North Canterbury to become infected with TB.
The habitat type is dry, drought-prone rolling farmland, with scrub and bush in gullies and patches. Altitudes range from sea level to nearly 1000 metres at Mt Stewart in the centre of the TMA.
The Conway-Waiau TMA has a long history of TB infection in both local wildlife and cattle herds. TB-infected wildlife has historically been found in the Amuri Range, Lottery Rivers, and Cheddar Valley areas. The most recent infected cattle herd was found in 2013.
We completed ground-based possum control in:
We undertook pig surveys:
We carried out ferret surveys in the Dog Creek and Stanton blocks during 2018.
As of June 2023, there are no infected herds in the Conway-Waiau TMA.
The Conway-Waiau TMA sits across the Northern Canterbury-Marlborough Movement Control Area (MCA) and the Waiau Conway Annual Special Testing Area (STA). Before you move cattle or deer to another herd or farm from an MCA, you must have them tested for bovine TB. If you're in an STA, you don't need to do pre-movement testing.
We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2023 to June 2024.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Conway-Waiau are provisional and subject to change. If you’re affected by any upcoming operations, our pest control contractors will contact you before work begins. They will:
We will refine proposed boundaries for aerial operations after consulting with landowners and affected parties.
Type of control | When | Coverage | Where |
---|---|---|---|
Ground control | 2025/2026 | 22,000ha | Hanmer Basin, Inland Road West |
Ground control | 2023/2024 | 7700ha | Hanmer Basin |
The proposed area for ground control is marked on the map in green.
Interactive map showing Conway-Waiau TMA boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.
Vector Free Marlborough manages eradication activities in the Conway-Waiau TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Phone: 0508 548 008
Email: communications@vectorfree.co.nz
OSPRI Christchurch Office
PO Box 8674
Riccarton
Christchurch 8440
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz