East Taupō TB response area
The Waipunga TMA is part of the East Taupō TB response area. Use the link below to find out more about the TB testing plan and pest control operations in the response area.
The Waipunga TMA is part of the East Taupō TB response area. Use the link below to find out more about the TB testing plan and pest control operations in the response area.
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 Waipunga TMA is located halfway between Napier and Taupō. It's bisected by the Napier-Taupō Highway (State Highway 5). The Ahimanawa Range is in the east of the TMA, and sections of the southern boundary run along the Mohaka and Waipunga rivers.
The land is steep, rugged country predominantly covered by native bush. Very few herds exist in this area.
In the past we've found TB-infected pigs, deer and possums in the Waipunga TMA. We found:
We have also found infected cattle herds in this area.
Previous possum control and livestock disease management has reduced the number of infected herds in the Hawke's Bay region. However, our monitoring has shown that we need to do further control work in the Waipunga area to reduce the possum population. This will:
We completed aerial control in Ahimanawa, Takarere, Waipunga, Takahiapo and Kokomoka in 2020 and 2022.
We completed ground control in:
As of June 2025, there is 1 infected herd in the Waipunga TMA.
The Waipunga TMA is in the Central North Island Movement Control Area. Before you move cattle or deer to another herd or farm, you must have them tested for bovine TB.
We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2025 to June 2026.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Waipunga 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:
Type of control | When | Coverage | Where |
---|---|---|---|
Ground control | 2025/2026 | 7029ha | Takahiapo, Takarere, Waipunga |
Aerial control | 2025/2026 | 11,587ha | Ahimanawa |
The proposed areas for ground control are marked in green on the map, and the proposed area for aerial control is marked in yellow.
Interactive map showing Waipunga TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas
Better Nature manages eradication activities in the Waipunga TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Phone: 06 836 5590
Email: admin@betternature.nz
PO Box 3412
Wellington 6140
Phone: 06 353 2710
Email: vector.sni@ospri.co.nz