As part of our TBfree programme we deliver our pest control operations through a framework of TB management areas (TMAs). TMAs are areas with known TB infection in livestock or wildlife. Each TMA has a specific TB control plan designed to eradicate TB as effectively as possible.
The Whataroa TMA covers 50,000 hectares between the Poerua and Okarito Rivers on the West Coast of the South Island. The area includes the Okarito and saltwater lagoons and is bisected by the Whataroa River. The majority of the block is low altitude and swampy. The Whataroa township and surrounding farmland sit within this TMA.
TB was last detected in wildlife in the Whataroa TMA in 2009. The Whataroa TMA is close to the Hari Hari cluster of TB infection. We have carried out extensive possum surveillance alongside the Hari Hari/Whataroa boundary. No TB has been detected in wildlife since the last aerial control in 2010.
We completed ground-based possum control in the Whataroa Vector Control Zone in 2018 and 2019.
We completed aerial operations in the:
The Department of Conservation undertook aerial control in the neighbouring Okarito block in 2021.
We undertook possum surveillance in the Saltwater block in 2022.
As of June 2023, there are no infected herds in the Whataroa River TMA.
We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2023 to June 2024.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Whataroa River are provisional. If you’re affected by any upcoming operations, our pest control contractors will contact you before work begins. They will:
Type of control | When | Coverage | Where |
---|---|---|---|
Possum survey | 2023/2024 | 10,000ha | Saltwater |
The proposed areas for wildlife surveillance are marked in blue.
Interactive map showing Whataroa River TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas
Nearest local OSPRI office
OSPRI Christchurch Office
PO Box 8674
Riccarton
Christchurch 8440
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz