South Westland Alps TB Management Area (TMA)
Pest control work planned for South Westland Alps includes aerial control.
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 has just started.
TB has been found in wild venison recovery deer and subsequently 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 is very high and aerial control is required.
We undertook aerial control in the Upper Wanganui, Wilburg Range and Upper Waitaha blocks in 2022.
Aerial control in the Upper Taipo block is scheduled for completion in June 2022.
Current state
There are no herds within the South Westland Alps TMA, but this TMA is a confirmed source area for TB infection in 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 2022 to June 2023.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in the South Westland Alps TMA 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 control | When | Coverage | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerial control | 2022/2023 | 35,400ha | Mungo, Whitcombe, Newton Range, Upper Kokatahi, Upper Toaroha |
Map of 2022/2023 pest control operations
The proposed areas for aerial control are marked on the map in yellow.
Interactive map showing South Westland Alps TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas
Contacts
Vector Free Marlborough manages eradication activities in the South Westland Alps TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Vector Free Marlborough Limited
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