Horizons starts a discussion about pest management across the region

Horizons Regional Council is seeking feedback about how pest management is handled, including if we are managing the right types of species and protecting the things our region values.

Horizons biodiversity, biosecurity and partnerships manager Craig Davey says today’s launch of Horizons’ biosecurity discussion document is a key part of the review of the Regional Pest Management Plan.
 
“The plan sets out how we, together with iwi and hapū, landowners and other partners, tackle pest issues across the Horizons Region. It’s the bridge between the Biosecurity Act and local action on the ground,” says Mr Davey.
 
“The current plan came into effect in 2017, and we must start a review after a decade. Now is an excellent time to review the plan, as the current one was created when budgets, possible control methods, and pest species present in the region were different.”
 
The discussion document is a resource which people can use to learn more about how pest management currently works in the region, says Mr Davey.
 
“This includes explanations about how Regional Pest Management Plans work, how they translate to actual pest control work, and how changes in our region – for example, the changes in land use – have impacted pest management.
 
“Part of the discussion document involves asking for feedback on our wider biosecurity approach, including if we are focusing on the right kinds of pests, how involved we should be in on-the-ground pest management work, and if Horizons should be involved in controlling feral animals such as deer.”
 
People have until 30 April to provide feedback, which will be used to inform the draft Regional Pest Management Plan and develop a broader strategic biosecurity approach for the Horizons Region, says Mr Davey.
 
To learn more and give feedback, head to https://haveyoursay.horizons.govt.nz/rpmp. Horizons staff will be at New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North 13 - 15 March, and at Central Districts Field Days in Feilding 19 - 21 March, to answer questions about the discussion document and Regional Pest Management Plan review process.

Image: Banana passionfruit, a pest species listed in the Regional Pest Management Plan.