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 South Canterbury High Country TMA covers 232,042 hectares, extending from the Main Divide to between the Two Thumb Range in the north and the Ahuriri River catchment in the south.
The habitat includes high-country river valleys with a mixture of rocky and scrubby habitat, extensive native forest ecosystems in some major valley systems, and improved and intensively farmed flats.
The South Canterbury High Country TMA has a long history of TB infection. We've found TB in wildlife throughout the TMA for many years, with sporadic infections in cattle herds.
We completed ground-based possum control in:
We completed ferret surveys in:
We completed a pig survey across the TMA in 2023/2024.
Some areas, such as Hopkins and Huxley, have had very little or no control.
As of June 2024, there are no infected herds in the South Canterbury High Country TMA.
We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2024 to June 2025.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in South Canterbury High Country are provisional and subject to change. 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Ferret survey | 2024/2025 | 132,700ha | Ahuriri, Dobson, Mackenzie North, Ohau Pukaki, Tasman, Wairepo Creek |
Pig survey | 2024/2025 | 171,000ha | South Canterbury High Country |
The proposed areas for wildlife surveillance are marked on the map in blue.
Interactive map showing South Canterbury High Country TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.
Downer NZ Limited manages eradication activities in the South Canterbury High Country TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Phone: 0508 392 355
Email: biosecurity@downer.co.nz
PO Box 3412
Wellington 6140
Phone: 0800 482 463
Email: vector_ssi@ospri.co.nz