Eradicating bovine TB in NZ

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.

A map showing the outline of the Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA

The Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA

The Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA covers 115,673 hectares. It encompasses the Glendhu and Berwick Forests, the surrounds of Lake Mahinerangi and the western shores of Lake Waihola.

The habitat is a mixture of improved farmland and commercial forestry.

History of TB and pest control in Waitahuna Mahinerangi

The Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA has a long history of TB infection in cattle herds and wildlife, dating from the 1970s. Possum control in the 1990s successfully decreased the number of infected cattle herds.

We last completed ground control in:

  • Berwick, Lawrence C, Mahinerangi and Tokomairiro River in 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024
  • parts of Black Rock in 2020/2021
  • all of Black Rock in 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.

We completed aerial control in:

  • Berwick, Lawrence A, Mahinerangi and Tokomairiro in 2015/2016
  • Berwick Aerial in 2019/2020.

We completed a pig survey in Berwick in 2023/2024.

Current state

As of June 2024, there is 1 infected herd in the Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA.

If you're moving animals

A small part of the Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA (in the Black Rock Vector Control Zone) is in the Coastal/Central Otago Movement Control Area. Before you move cattle or deer to another herd or farm, you must have them tested for bovine TB.

Future pest control operations

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 Waitahuna Mahinerangi 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:

  • talk you through the specifics of each operation
  • explain what you need to do before the operations start
  • get your consent for the work to be done.
Type of controlWhenCoverageWhere
Ground control2024/202552,300haLawrence C, Mahinerangi, Tokomairiro River, Black Rock

Map of 2024/2025 pest control operations

The proposed areas for ground control are marked on the map in green.

Interactive map showing Waitahuna Mahinerangi TB management area boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.

Contacts

Rentokil Initial manages eradication activities in the Waitahuna Mahinerangi TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.

Rentokil Initial

Phone: 0508 767 786

Email: kuran.ireland@rentokil-initial.com

OSPRI office

PO Box 3412

Wellington 6140

Phone: 0800 482 463

Email: vector_ssi@ospri.co.nz