Waipunga TB Management Area (TMA)

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.

The Waipunga TMA

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.

History of TB and pest control in Waipunga

In the past we've found TB-infected pigs, deer and possums in the Waipunga TMA. We found:

• 4 infected pigs in 2018
• 2 infected possums in 2020.

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:

• minimise the risk of the disease spreading through wild animal populations into farmed cattle and deer
• ensure further good progress towards eradicating TB.

We completed aerial control in Ahimanawa, Takarere, Waipunga, Takahiapo and Kokomoka in 2020 and 2022.

We completed ground control in:

• Takahiapo, Rangitaiki Frost Flats and Rangitaiki Pines in 2020/2021 and 2024/2025
• Takarere, Takahiapo and Waipunga in 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024
• Takarere in 2024/2025.

Current state

As of June 2025, there is 1 infected herd in the Waipunga TMA.

If you're moving animals

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.

Future pest control operations

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:

• 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.

Map of 2025/2026 pest control operations

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

Contacts

Better Nature manages eradication activities in the Waipunga TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Better Nature

Phone: 06 836 5590

Email: admin@betternature.nz

OSPRI

PO Box 3412

Wellington 6140​

Phone: 06 353 2710

Email: vector.sni@ospri.co.nz