Buller Coast 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 Buller Coast TMA

The Buller Coast TMA covers 76,280 hectares between Ngakawau and Charleston. The area includes Cape Foulwind, Westport, Waimangaroa, Granity, Hector, Nikau and Mokihinui.

The habitat is a mix of farmed flats, native and exotic forest, coastal habitat and very steep scrubby faces. Altitude ranges from sea level to 1000 metres.

History of TB and pest control in Buller Coast

The Buller Coast TMA has a long history of TB infection in cattle herds — from infected wildlife. Movement of cattle grazing at Cape Foulwind has caused infection in other parts of the TMA.

We completed ground-based possum control in the:

• Buller Coast block in 2018/2019, and
• Buller North, Buller South and Buller South Aerial blocks in 2020/2021, and 2022/2023.

We undertook aerial possum control in 2011, 2015 and 2020 in the Buller South Aerial block.

Current state

As of June 2023, there are no infected herds in the Buller Coast TMA.

If you're moving animals

The Buller Coast TMA is in the West Coast Movement Control Area (MCA). 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 2023 to June 2024.

Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Buller Coast 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 2023/2024 pest control operations

The proposed area for aerial control is in yellow on the map.

Interactive map showing Buller Coast TMA boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.

Contacts

Vector Control Services manages eradication activities in the Buller Coast TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Vector Control Services

Phone: 0508 141 268
Email: info@vcs.net.nz

Nearest local OSPRI office

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