Hard work in pest control over the last year

Council has begun a new financial year, which makes it a good time to pause and reflect on the work that has been undertaken in the last year.

Between the detector dogs coming across to check for rainbow skinks and Argentine ants and our biosecurity staff and dive contractors undertaking dive operations to monitor the extent of Undaria and Sabella(external link) (Mediterranean fan worm) around our waters, there has been a lot going on.

Plant pest control

We were fortunate to have four biosecurity officers from Canterbury come across to support the work that our local officers do in the field. While here they undertook control of banana passionfruit(external link). A pretty vine with pink flowers and edible fruit, however, don’t be fooled - this plant will grow rapidly and plants produce viable seeds within two years, it also stems roots when any part of the vine touches the ground. If you see this plant, please let our officers know immediately.

Staff also undertook control of old man’s beard(external link) another vine that will smother other trees and plants and that grows rapidly. 

Work was also done to manage ragwort(external link) and Chilean guava. Chilean guava can be readily purchased in mainland NZ but is a real threat here on the Chatham’s due to it thriving in our peaty soils.  

Input from the community

We would like to thank you - the community, for contacting us when you see something unusual or out of place. You are the key to protecting our unique island and the combined effort of us all is more powerful than just our small team working alone. 

If you do see anything that looks unusual whether that’s a plant or insect, please reach out – our staff are always happy to help and share their knowledge.

If we can’t answer you immediately we have a great team behind us who can provide more technical advice. Please phone the council on 03 305 0033