Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) is an invasive pest plant from South America which is widespread in Tasman. However, in Golden Bay, this weed is still at relatively low levels. In our Regional Pest Management Plan, woolly nightshade is a Sustained Control Pest in Golden Bay only.
Cockroaches are common household pests in most parts of Aotearoa, with over 30 known species present, most of which are native bush varieties that feed on leaf detritus. In Tasman, one accidentally introduced species of cockroach that has exploded in numbers in recent years is the Gisborne cockroach.
Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were first introduced to the region in 1865 from Victoria Australia to control pastoral insect pests. The magpie’s most distinctive characteristic is its black and white colour and distinctive call (quardle, oodle, ardle, wardle, doodle) – best heard soon after daybreak or in the evening.
Moth plant has caused havoc in the North Island, particularly in Northland. So far, it has only been found at a handful of sites in Tasman, and we need your help to keep it that way.
The June/July floods last year have led to a significant increase in the spread of pest plants throughout the District. As floodwaters moved across properties and river margins, they carried fertile plant fragments, seeds and bulbs into new areas.
Chocolate vine (Akebia) is listed as a sustained control pest in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP). While it is too widespread to eradicate, the goal is to ensure that infestations don’t cause significant impacts to property and native habitats.
Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is an evergreen pest plant, originating from South Africa. Boxthorn was originally introduced as a hedge but has revealed itself to be a significant pest elsewhere. Tasman is one of those places. It is an Eradication Pest in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan.
Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a climbing vine with 5 – 7 lobes on each thin mature leaf. It produces attractive white and purple hanging flowers 6 – 9 cm in diameter, from December to April.
You’ll see a lot of things bright and beautiful floating on the surface of our waterways in the coming months. But there’s one pest plant that we don’t want to float too far from your local wetland.
Banana passion vine is a widespread pest vine in Tasman. The fruits of this pest are consumed and the seeds spread far and wide by birds, making it very difficult to control.
Phragmites is an aggressive, fast-growing waterway and wetland pest. It’s one of nine harmful weeds on MPI’s National Interest Pest Response list because it can have devastating impacts on our wetland and estuary environment.
Our cat management bylaw comes into effect from 1 June this year. The bylaw requires owners of domestic cats over the age of six months to microchip, desex, and register them with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register. It’s our way to encourage responsible pet ownership.
