Buller Coast TB Management Area (TMA)
Pest control work planned for Buller Coast includes ground control.
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.
The Buller Coast TMA
The Buller Coast TMA covers 76,280 hectares between Ngakawau and Charleston. The area includes Cape Foulwind, Westport, Waimangaroa, Granity, Hector, Nikau and Mokihinui.
The habitat is a mix of farmed flats, native and exotic forest, coastal habitat and very steep scrubby faces. Altitudes range from sea level to 1000 metres.
History of TB and pest control in Buller Coast
The Buller Coast TMA has a long history of TB infection in cattle herds — from infected wildlife. Movement of cattle grazing at Cape Foulwind has caused infection in other parts of the TMA.
We completed ground-based possum control in:
- Buller Coast in 2018/2019
- Buller North, Buller South and Buller South Aerial in 2020/2021 and 2022/2023
- Buller North Aerial, Buller South and Buller South Aerial in 2024/2025.
We completed aerial possum control in Buller South Aerial in 2011, 2015, 2020, and 2024.
Current state
As of June 2025, there are no infected herds in the Buller Coast TMA.
If you're moving animals
The Buller Coast TMA is in the Buller District Annual Special Testing Area. In these areas, cattle over 12 months and deer over 15 months of age are tested annually.
Future pest control operations
We plan our pest control operations up to 3 years in advance. The current year runs from July 2025 to June 2026.
Dates and control methods for pest control operations in Buller Coast 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 control | When | Coverage | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground control | 2025/2026 | 15,000ha | Buller North, Buller North Aerial Exclusions |
| Ground control | 2026/2027 | 15,000ha | Buller North, Buller North Aerial Exclusions |
Map of 2025/2026 pest control operations
The proposed area for ground control is marked on the map in green.
Interactive map showing Buller Coast TMA boundaries, Vector Control Zone, and proposed control areas.
Contacts
Vector Control Services manages eradication activities in the Buller Coast TMA. Contact them directly if you have feedback or questions about upcoming operations.
Vector Control Services
Phone: 0508 141 268
Email: info@vcs.net.nz
OSPRI
PO Box 3412
Wellington 6140
Phone: 03 363 3090
Email: vectornsi@ospri.co.nz