Eradicating bovine TB in NZ

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.

Map showing boundaries of Conway-Waiau TB management areaThe Conway-Waiau TMA

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.

History of TB and pest control in Conway-Waiau

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:

  • the Amuri Range, Inland Road, Leader Valley, Parnassus, Dog Creek and Stanton in 2015/2016
  • Hanmer Basin in 2016/2017, and 2021/2022.
  • the Amuri Range and Dog Creek in 2021/2022.

We undertook pig surveys:

  • in the Amuri Range, Conway North and the Parnassus block in 2017/2018, and
  • across most of the pig habitat in the area in 2019/2020.

We carried out ferret surveys in the Dog Creek and Stanton blocks during 2018.

Current state

As of June 2023, the Conway-Waiau TMA has no infected herds.

If you're moving animals

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.

Future pest control operations

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:

  • talk you through the specifics of each operation
  • explain what you need to do before the operations start
  • get your consent for the work to be done. 

We will refine proposed boundaries for aerial operations after consulting with landowners and affected parties.

Type of controlWhenCoverageWhere
Ground control2025/202622,000haHanmer Basin, Inland Road West
Ground control2023/20247700haHanmer Basin

Map of 2023/2024 pest control operations

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.

Contacts

Vector Free Marlborough manages eradication activities in the Conway-Waiau TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Vector Free Marlborough

Phone: 0508 548 008
Email: communications@vectorfree.co.nz

Nearest local OSPRI office

OSPRI Christchurch Office
PO Box 8674
Riccarton
Christchurch 8440
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz