South Westland Alps TB Management Area (TMA)
Pest control work planned for South Westland Alps includes aerial control and wildlife surveillance.
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 South Westland Alps TMA
The South Westland Alps TMA lies adjacent to the Main Divide and extends south from Arthur's Pass to just beyond Whataroa. The TMA contains the high-risk catchments for the Waitaha, Poerua and Wanganui Rivers.
The habitat includes bush-covered faces interspersed with glaciers.
History of TB and pest control in South Westland Alps
The eradication control plan in the South Westland Alps TMA started in 2022.
We found TB in wild venison recovery deer and later in possums surveyed in the valley floor below where the deer had been captured. A survey by Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research in 2021 confirmed the prevalence of TB in possums was very high and aerial control was required.
We completed:
- aerial control in Upper Wanganui, Upper Taipo, Wilburg Range and Upper Waitaha in 2022
- possum surveillance in Mungo, Newton Range, Upper Kokatahi, Upper Toaroha and Whitcombe in 2024/2025.
Current state
There are no herds in the South Westland Alps TMA, but this TMA is a confirmed source of TB infection for the Hari Hari area.
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 South Westland Alps 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.
| Type of control | When | Coverage | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial control | 2025/2026 | 23,065ha | Upper Waitaha, Wilburg Range |
| Possum survey | 2025/2026 | 354,334ha | Mungo, Newton, Upper Kokatahi, Upper Toaroha, Whitcombe |
Map of 2025/2026 pest control operations
The proposed areas for aerial control are marked in yellow on the map, and the proposed areas for wildlife surveillance are marked in blue.
Interactive map showing South Westland Alps TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.
Contacts
Rentokil Initial (trading as High Country Contracting) manages eradication activities in the South Westland Alps TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
High Country Contracting
Phone: 0508 767 786
Email: kuran.ireland@rentokil-initial.com
OSPRI
PO Box 3412
Wellington 6140
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz