Tasman District Council is undertaking targeted weed control in the Mātakitaki Braided River, upstream of Horse Flat to the Mātakitaki Station Bridge, to help protect braided‑river habitats, native vegetation, and long‑term river stability.
This is the best example of a braided river remaining in the Tasman / Nelson region, home to braided river specialist native flora and fauna, such as the Nationally Endangered tara pirohe / black fronted tern.
The work focuses on controlling invasive willow and poplar species that can restrict river flows and smother native plants. Aerial and ground‑based methods are being used, including precision drill‑and‑fill and targeted foliage spraying, with strict buffer zones around waterways and native vegetation. All work is carried out by qualified contractors under a resource consent.
Works will take place from 26 March until mid‑April, during daylight hours.
If you have any questions or concerns about this work, please let us know at [email protected] or call us at 03 543 8400, and reference ‘Mātakitaki weed control’.
The map above shows the wider area around the weed control focus area (in yellow circle), with the braided reach of Horse flat to Burn Creek between the red arrows.
The map below is the area of weed control.
