Hari Hari TB response

We’re working with Hari Hari farmers with infected herds to implement farm-specific TB management plans to return each herd to TB-free status as soon as possible.

Our goal is to eradicate TB from the Hari Hari area by 2033.

Latest updates

There is 1 herd with a TB-infected status in the Hari Hari area, and this herd has completed a first clear whole-herd test. 

For infected status herds to return to a clear status, 2 clear whole herd tests are required, no less than 6 months apart. These tests may include an additional blood test for part or all of the herd.

TB in Hari Hari TMA

To help eradicate TB from New Zealand, we've implemented a framework of TB Management Areas (TMAs) around the country. TMAs are areas with known TB infection in livestock and wildlife.

We've identified TB in possums, deer and farmed cattle in Hari Hari. The infection was first identified through routine on-farm TB testing, and DNA testing indicated the source of the infection was possums from the Wanganui Valley.

Hari Hari Movement Control Area

Movement Control Areas (MCAs) control how and where livestock can be moved within a TMA area. An MCA was put in place for Hari Hari on 9 February 2021, to prevent the spread of TB into other areas. The MCA affects about:

• 41 dairy herds
• 18 beef herds
• 1 deer herd.

The MCA covers farms between:

• the eastern Waitaha Valley edge and Kakapotahi River in the east
• the southernmost area of the Poerua River flat in the southwest boundary
• the Tasman Sea to the north
• the Southern Alps to the south.

The area of the change is about 53,000 hectares, of which about 22,000 hectares is farmed land.

Pest control programme

The Hari Hari TMA is subject to a focused programme of work that includes ground-based and aerial pest control activities, wildlife surveillance, and TB testing. The map below shows the current operational progress.

TB testing in Hari Hari

We have an annual TB testing programme already in place for the Hari Hari area. You don't need to book a test with us — we’ll contact you to organise testing.

If your herd does have a positive blood test, we’re here to help. Our case management team can talk you through the next steps.

Support and advice for farmers and communities

The health, wellbeing and welfare of farmers is our top priority. A TB infection puts extra strain on farm management. We can help by:

• giving you regular updates on disease management and eradication progress in the area
• arranging TB testing for your herd
• answering your questions — you can contact us by phone or email, and our regional team can visit you on the farm
• working with Federated Farmers, Beef+Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and Deer Industry NZ to support you.

Hunting in the Hari Hari area

We will place warning signs at all main access points to aerial pest control areas that are part of the Hari Hari TB programme. All land users, including hunters, must follow the cautions on these signs.

Individual aerial pest control operations will have an associated TB control operation notice. These notices provide instructions to ensure the safety of land users within pest control areas.

For further information on the access permissions and permits required to hunt in the Hari Hari area you’ll need to contact your local Department of Conservation office, and the owners of any private property or leasehold in the area.

Further reading

You'll find more information on topics like 1080 and pest control in NZ in the publications and resources section of our site.