2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION - OSPRI
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2020 TBFREE
DISEASE CONTROL
OPERATIONS
CONSULTATION
AUGUST 2019
This document outlines proposed TBfree aerial
and ground possum control and surveillance
operations for 2020.
OSPRI, which manages the TBfree programme, consults with
people and organisations affected by disease control operations,
including landowners and land users, farmers, hunters and
people who pursue outdoor recreation.
Details about how to make a submission are on page 24.
For further information go to www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme ospri.co.nz
CONTENTS
The TBfree Programme 1
The TBfree programme 2
Using 1080 for possum control 2
Towards eradication: regional operational focus 4
Proposed operations for 2020 6
Regional overviews 8
Consulting with communities 8
Opportunities for further consultation 8
Operations ahead 8
Aerial operation planning and consultation process 9
2020 TBfree Pest Control Operations Consultation case study 10
North Island Aerial Operations 2020 11
Kaipo 12
Te Awahohonu – Ahimanawa 13
Northern Tararua 14
Timahanga 15
Turangi 4B 16
Waitara Valley 17
Northern South Island Aerial Operations 2020 18
Bush Gully and Tarndale 19
Upper Awatere North and South 20
Buller South 21
New Creek / Mokihinui 22
Radiant Range 23
Have Your Say 24
TBfree is an OSPRI programme
2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 1
THE TBFREE
PROGRAMME
ospri.co.nz
2 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
The TBfree programme as kiwi, whio and mohua, among many others,
will disappear from mainland NZ.
Possums are a major source of TB infection in cattle A major longitudinal study published this year
and deer herds in parts of New Zealand, so possum tracked hundreds of North Island brown kiwi and their
control is a key activity for the TBfree programme, offspring through four large-scale joint OSPRI/DOC
alongside livestock TB testing and movement control. 1080 operations in Tongariro Forest over 22 years.
The TB plan aims to achieve biological eradication Results showed that just over 50% of kiwi chicks in
of TB from New Zealand by 2055, with TB freedom the 20,000ha Tongariro Forest survived to six months
in livestock by 2026 and statistical freedom from old in the first breeding season after aerial 1080
disease in possums by 2040. treatment. Without pest control as few as 5% of chicks
Those objectives require maintaining very low possum survive to adulthood.
numbers for significant periods of time through
possum control. Most possum control work (>90 per SUCCESS TO DATE USING 1080
cent) is ground-based but, in some areas, aerial 1080
• TB eradicated from more than 2 million
operations are the only effective and efficient method
hectares with.
for completing operations over large areas.
• Infected herds reduced to 28 (down from 689
As the TBfree programme progresses towards the
in the year 2000).
eradication of TB from wildlife and livestock, possum
control methods are constantly refined to ensure • Reductions in livestock TB testing and movement
most efficient use of resources in achieving the control requirements.
eradication goals.
RESEARCH INTO THE USE OF 1080
Using 1080 for possum control 1080 is one of the most widely researched pest
control tools and in recent years there have been
OSPRI’s TBfree programme has the objective of extensive investigations into its use by both
eradicating bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand. the Environmental Protection Agency and the
To achieve that, it is vital to control populations of Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
possums, the wildlife ‘vector’ (transmitters) of TB that It has been proven to be particularly effective in
infects cattle and deer. There are strict safety, quality aerial baiting programmes for controlling possums
assurance and monitoring requirements surrounding over larger areas of forest or rough terrain that are
the use of 1080 when applied aerially or by hand. The difficult to access on foot.
careful use of biodegradable 1080 to control possums
There is also strong support for the use of 1080 across
has been a key tool for achieving the significant decline
the conservation and farming communities. Some
of TB-infected cattle and deer herds – from about 1700
people are opposed to its use and we try to work
in the mid-1990s to fewer than 30 in June 2019.
with these groups to explain why and how we use it.
BENEFITS OF USING 1080
WHY 1080 IS SUITED
As well as eradicating TB in livestock and possums, TO NEW ZEALAND
there are positive biodiversity benefits from using
1080 – particularly for New Zealand’s native bush The use of biodegradable 1080 is ideally suited for
and birdlife. NZ conditions as it is particularly effective against
mammals – birds are less susceptible. New Zealand
Every year introduced pests kill millions of native doesn’t have any native land mammals (apart from
birds and destroy native bush. Many of New Zealand’s bats which are likely to benefit from 1080 control
native species are struggling to survive in the wild. operations) so it’s possible to target introduced
Without the use of 1080 to control possums and other pest species with little harm to native species,
predators (e.g. rats, stoats, ferrets and pigs), birds such unlike elsewhere in the world.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme
2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 3
HOW WE FIND AND CONTROL THE TB INFECTION CYCLE
The red line tracks the path of TB Pigs, ferrets and sometimes
infection from outside circle, into TB deer get TB from possums but
not from each other.
possum population, circulating and
infecting maintenance hosts, with
a faint link between ferrets and
livestock, where it cycles again.
Possums can maintain TB within
own population and cause about
50% of herd infection cases.
Possum control breaks
the disease cycle in possums
Surveys of pigs, ferrets and
and stops them from infecting
deer help tell us where TB is still
farmed cattle/deer present in possums
HOW WE USE 1080 toxin registered for aerial application that can ensure
possum numbers are kept low enough to eradicate TB.
Hand-laid traps and toxins account for the majority
of TB pest management work. The remaining area Aerial application enables us to apply the toxic bait
is controlled by aerial 1080 baiting. There are a number over large tracts of forest or other difficult terrain.
of ground control techniques available to possum One application of bait will often suppress possum
control contractors but the key to effective control populations to low levels for five years, so it may
is using the appropriate method for the job, depending take as few as two or three applications to achieve
on factors such as the terrain, local wildlife, previous eradication.
control work and the objective for the area. On difficult
country where ground control is impractical or MINIMISING THE USE OF 1080
very costly, we use carefully managed aerial 1080
A standard aerial operation uses 2kg of 1080 bait per
application.
hectare. That’s about 4–6 baits in an area the size of a
The aerial application of 1080 is the most effective tennis court. Each bait has 0.15% sodium fluoroacetate
and cost-efficient method for controlling introduced (1080). In a standard 12g bait there is 0.018g (or 18mg)
possums and other predators like rats and stoats of 1080, which is considered sufficient to kill a possum.
over large areas with difficult access. 1080 is the only
ospri.co.nz
4 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Towards eradication: The TBfree programme’s operational activities are
bringing many areas significantly closer to their
regional operational focus planned eradication dates.
The operations open for consultation in this document
are part of a national approach to TB management.
Planned eradication by:
2018 2028
2020 2030
2022 2032
2024 2035
2026
TBfree is an OSPRI programme
2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 5
Regional plans for TB eradication are focused on the TB Management Areas across New Zealand are
remaining areas of known TB infection in wildlife. These shaded on the maps below, with their expected
will be systematically treated with possum population dates of eradication.
control activities along a determined path towards TB
eradication, as illustrated in the maps following.
Planned eradication by:
2018 2028
2020 2030
2022 2032
2024 2035
2026
ospri.co.nz6 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Proposed operations for 2020 and ground-based pest control making up the balance
(40%). For detail on the specific aerial operations
The maps on page 6 and 7 outline the disease proposed, please refer to the page numbers in the tables.
control activities planned for 2020. Each region has Specific details and operational boundaries are
a different disease control focus based on the status indicative only and may change as a result of further
of infected herds and wildlife, this is explained on planning and consultation. Final details will be
page 8. As outlined in the table below, aerial operations communicated directly to affected parties, and through
cover about 10% of proposed operational activity. letters, public notifications, media and ospri.co.nz.
The majority of remaining work involves surveys (50%)
Aerial Operations
Ground Operations
Survey Operations
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 7
CONTROL OPERATIONS AREA COVERAGE 2020
PROPOSED NORTH NORTHERN SOUTHERN
ACTIVITY ISLAND SOUTH ISLAND SOUTH ISLAND
Aerial operations 146,759 ha 210,000 ha N/A
Ground operations 198,447 ha 423,254 ha 644,498 ha
Survey operations 490,174 ha 430,319 ha 725,150 ha
Total 835,380 ha 1,063,573 ha 1,369,648 ha
Aerial Operations
Ground Operations
Survey Operations
ospri.co.nz8 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Regional overviews near Dunedin City. A mix of ground control and
ferret survey towards the inland lakes is in response
to known or uncertain TB presence. In the Catlins to
NORTH ISLAND the south, extensive pig survey is planned to obtain
further information needed to confirm TB freedom
Extensive surveys for TB in wildlife are planned for the
after a lengthy history of possum control. In western
North Island in 2020. Wild pigs and deer will be taken
Southland there have been recent wildlife TB cases, and
from the Hauhungaroa Range north west of Lake Taupo
further ferret and possum survey is aimed at clarifying
to provide further assurance TB has been eradicated.
the pattern and extent of TB infection in this area.
Deer and pigs will also be surveyed in the Rangipo
and Kaimanawa areas for which there is currently
little wildlife TB information. The southern Urewera
area will be targeted in pig surveys aimed at proving
Consulting with communities
freedom from disease. Inland Hawke’s Bay will receive This summary of OSPRI’s planned pest management
a mix of targeted aerial 1080 operations, ground- programme for 2019/2020 has been prepared to help
based control and pig surveys. In Wellington region a meet requirements for consultation with people and
new aerial 1080 operation in the northern Tararua will groups interested in or affected by our operations.
bring this management area into the early phase of
The consultation process invites affected parties to
TB eradication. Various ground control operations in
express their views, providing advice or addressing
Wairarapa will either bring areas closer to proof of TB
their concerns, and giving genuine consideration
freedom or maintain low possum populations, while pig
to what they have to say. Consultation enables
surveys will be used in the Aorangi Range in the south-
informed decision-making by considering different
east to to provide information to prove TB freedom.
views, although this focuses on the parameters of
the operations, not the methodology or the use of
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND 1080. While OSPRI uses 1080 as the only effective
In Tasman District, disease surveys targeting wild pigs and efficient large-scale pest control tool available,
in and about the Motueka catchment will be completed it is not responsible for the regulation of the toxin.
as a further step toward confirming freedom from
The consultation process OSPRI follows to ensure
TB. TB eradication progress has been accelerated by
input from all affected parties is illustrated on page 9.
major DOC aerial 1080 operations for native species
protection in Kahurangi National Park. However
further aerial operations are required to target known
TB persistence in the Radiant Range, New Creek
Opportunities for further
and Buller South blocks. These will be supported by consultation
concurrent ground-based possum control on easier
As manager of the TBfree programme, OSPRI is keen
country about Westport, Charleston, Cape Foulwind
to listen to the views of all communities interested
and along coastal strips to the north. Ground-based
in proposed operations. The areas of operation are
possum control will continue in West Coast valleys
detailed in the next section of this document, and input
to protect herds from infection, and to bring some
is encouraged via the form on page 24 at the back of
management areas closer to wildlife TB freedom.
this document.
In North Canterbury and Marlborough, aerial
operations will target areas with little previous control
in the inland high country, while a mix of ground Operations ahead
control and pig survey to the east and in coastal
areas will continue good progress towards eradication. Aerial TBfree possum control operations are proposed
A large area of wild pig survey in the upper Hurunui for several areas of the central and lower North Island
and toward the main divide is aimed at clarifying the and coastal and high-country areas of the South Island.
uncertain TB status of a large unfarmed wilderness. Operational specifics are confirmed after consultation
and will be communicated directly to affected parties
SOUTHERN SOUTH ISLAND and through appropriate channels including public
notifications, media and OSPRI’s website, ospri.co.nz.
In central and eastern Otago, large scale ground
possum control will continue to address infection risk
which has been revealed in previous ferret surveys
and by recent livestock TB cases. This includes areas
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 9
Aerial operation planning and consultation process
INDICATIVE
TIMELINE
need for operations
ASSESSING
Establish the
Engage
TB
UP TO Risk to herds
eradication
Wildlife landowners,
-24 MTHS and TB history density iwi, affected
timeline
parties
Invite input from
interest groups
LISTENING
Consult
Consult
landowners, Meet land user Inform regional
-12 MTHS Discuss timing Consult DOC public health
iwi, affected organisations councils
authorities
parties
review feedback
PLANNING
Design and
Consider Design Define Confirm Consider deer
-6 MTHS Obtain consents
feedback operations boundaries timings repellent
Apply
Inform and
implement
DOING
stringent Complete
Inform with
0 MTHS Notify public health and pest control Clear track
signage
safety operation
practice
REVIEWING
Post-operative
action
Review Survey and
+3 MTHS Check signage
operation monitor results
FINAL REVIEW
complete operation
Final steps to
Declare safe,
Remove
+6 MTHS inform and
signage
communicate
ospri.co.nz10 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
2020 TBfree Pest Control • A sustainably supported population of native birds
from kereru and kaka to kakariki (parakeet) and
Operations Consultation korimako (bellbird).
case study OSPRI’s consultation for the project involved working
with the Aorangi Restoration Trust, and the opinions of
CONSULTING WITH COMMUNITIES hunters. The forest supports a treasured red deer herd
and deerstalkers were vocal in their support for the
Good relationships inform Aorangi’s use of deer repellent 1080 baits in the two operations
restoration project (2014 and 2017) so far.
Using repellent baits lowers the number of deer
The Aorangi Range on the south eastern tip of the
affected in a possum poisoning campaign and numbers
North Island is a treasured hunting area, a recovering
typically rebuild within a few breeding seasons. Deer
sanctuary for native birds and a forest under restoration.
repellent adds significant cost for an aerial operation
It’s also the site of a nine-year project to eradicate the size of Aorangi, 33,000 hectares.
bovine TB in wildlife.
Aorangi Restoration Trust’s Clive Paton says the project
TB eradication is achieved by knocking down possum has huge implications for biodiversity conservation in
numbers so they can’t pass the disease to the cattle the area for the next 10 years and lets them progress
and deer herds farmed within sight of the impressive their goals more quickly.
range. It also requires a spirit of collaboration, clear
Apart from the possums targeted by OSPRI, the
consultative communications and hours of hard work.
operations kill ferrets, stoats and rats.
New Zealand’s TBfree programme, managed by
“The place is totally dominated by those animals and
OSPRI, has been able to treat the Aorangi with the
really makes it impossible for the birdlife, including the
full support of local hunters after some open talk and
penguins,” he says.
sharing of mutual objectives at the beginning of the
TB eradication programme five years ago. The initiative has evolved because all the agencies
have combined their efforts toward similar objectives.
The triple hit on pests in the forest is on track
Paton says without the Aorangi operations more native
to achieve two big goals:
species would become extinct in the area.
• TB freedom in possums, hugely valuable for the
surrounding farms which were once a TB hotspot
with 154 infected herds
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 11
NORTH ISLAND
AERIAL OPERATIONS
2020
ospri.co.nz12 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Kaipo
NORTH ISLAND
Central North Island
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
This control area is situated within Kaimanawa
Forest Park. The area lies to the south-east of the
Taupo township and extends from the Hinemaiaia
Stream in the west and extends to and reaches parts
of the Taharua river in the east. The area contains a
mixture of steep to very steep native beech forest
which is mostly unmodified red beech with a thick
understory of pepperwood and other native species.
Most land is DOC managed Public Conservation Land.
The well tracked area has several huts that are regularly
used by the numerous hunters and trampers who visit
throughout the year.
TMA AND ERADICATION OPERATIONAL CONTROL
METHOD PREFERRED
The Kaipo operation is part of the Hatepe-Kaimanawa
TMA. Eradication is inspected in 2030. This area is covered in native bush on steep and
moderate country. For this type of country, it’s more
effective to use aerial 1080 control as a cost-effective
CONSULTATION AND
and a safe option over steep and sometimes
COLLABORATIONS dangerous ground.
OSPRI collaborated with Manaaki Whenua Landcare
Research and DOC to undertake deer repellent trials
in this area during the last aerial operation in 2016.
A factsheet about the Sika repellent trial is available
at www.ospri.co.nz/sika-repellent.
RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
A TB-infected deer was found in the area in 2011.
TB wildlife, pigs in 2014 and 2015 were found in
the nearby exotic forest also. A possum monitoring
operation in the area in June 2019 indicated a high
possum population. Further monitoring is to be
completed later in 2019. This operation is part of the
eradication program in the central North Island,
the last control was completed in 2016.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 13
Te Awahohonu – Ahimanawa
NORTH ISLAND
Northern Hawke’s Bay
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
This operation joins the Te Awahohonu and Ahimanawa
operations to create an operational area of about
26,500 ha.
The Te Awahohonu operational area is predominantly
situated over a large multiple-ownership Maori block
of the same name. Located approximately 55 km
north-west of Napier at Te Haroto, the area extends
over both sides of the Napier/Taupo highway
encompassing a large area of commercial forestry
plus native bush reserves managed by DOC. The terrain
is moderate to very steep and access is via private
forestry roads that are locked when not in use.
The block is used for hunting both deer and pigs and
entry is managed through a ballot system for permits. RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
Adjoining Te Awahohonu on its western side, TB-infected pigs were found very close to this
Ahimanawa/Takahaipo blocks are comprised of both operational area in 2018 and recent TB has been
DOC and private trust land with hunting for deer being found in herds in the area. Control here is vital to
the main activity. The country is steep, covered with control the spread of TB throughout the herds and
native forest and normal access for hunting blocks wildlife in the region.
is by helicopter. Fishing is also popular in this area.
Access within these blocks is hampered by bush OPERATIONAL CONTROL
damage from a heavy snowfall in 2017. METHOD PREFERRED
Thorough control throughout the operational boundary
TMA AND ERADICATION is required to reach the TB eradication targets.
Te Awahohonu is part of the Tutaekuri-Waitara The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and the
TB management area (TMA), where eradication is dense bush cover make aerial 1080 the most effective
expected in 2027. Ahimanawa is part of the Waipunga control method for the area.
TMA, where eradication expected in 2029.
CONSULTATION AND
COLLABORATION
Initial landowner consultation resulted in the
Te Awahohonu and Ahimanawa operations being
joined together to reduce the impact on recreational
users who use the area.
ospri.co.nz14 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Northern Tararua
NORTH ISLAND
Southern North Island
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Northern Tararua operational area covers about
42,000 ha from the western side of the Tararua Range
near Manakau to the eastern side of the Tararua Range
near the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.
The southern boundary of the operational boundary is
next to DOC’s Tiakina Ngā Manu Project Kākā. OSPRI’s
Northern Tararua operation will benefit Project Kākā by
removing predators from the Northern sections of the
Tararua Forest Park.
Habitat cover within the operational area is a mix
of alpine tussock grasslands, sub-alpine shrublands,
lowland broadleaf forest with emergent podocarps,
and beech forest. Landownership within the block is RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
Department of Conversation estate, state forest land
administered by DOC, and private ownership. Infected livestock herds, and wildlife (possums
and ferrets) were found in the western area of the
operational block in the 1990s. Pigs infected with
TMA AND ERADICATION
TB were caught in the Otaki Buffer in 2008 and
The operation is in the Northern Tararua TMA, in the Mt Bruce to Mikimiki Crown areas in 2012.
and eradication is expected in 2026.
Mt Bruce to Mikimiki Crown was monitored for possum
numbers during December 2016, and returned a 26%
COLLABORATION BMI, 4.33% RTCI equivalent. Population modeling
AND CONSULTATION suggests the possum density will be approx. 10% RTCI
during 2020.
Early consultation and notification with
some interested parties has occurred.
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
METHOD PREFERRED
Thorough control throughout the operational
boundary is required to reach the TB eradication
targets.
The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and
the dense bush cover make aerial control the most
effective control method for the area.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 15
Timahanga
NORTH ISLAND
Western Hawke’s Bay
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Timahanga operational area is 110 km from the
Napier/Taupo (SH5) Road. There is a mix of indigenous
forest and manuka/kanuka scrub with some tussock
grassland. The terrain is steep and rugged. There
is a significant amount of DOC land on the eastern
side of the operation. This side touches the bank of
the Ngaruroro river. The Taruarau River borders the
northern boundary of this control area.
The southern section of this area touches the Ruahine
Ranges and reaches to the southern end of the Kaweka
Ranges in the north. Cover is mixture of Manuka/
Kanuka scrub and native forest. The terrain is moderate
to steep with numerous areas with land slips.
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
TB MANAGEMENT AREA METHOD PREFERRED
AND ERADICATION This steep and rough terrain is most suitably
and effectively treated with aerial control.
The area is part of the Timahanga and Ngamatea
TMAs where eradication is expected by 2027.
RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
TB infection was found in a nearby cattle herd in
Whanawhana, east of this area. The farm is now clear
of infection but DNA strain typing shows the infection
was from the Comet/ Sparrowhawk area.
ospri.co.nz16 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Turangi 4B
NORTH ISLAND
Central North Island
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Turangi operation lies south-east of the Turangi
township and is covered in predominantly exotic
forests and some native forest. It sits to the north of
the Umukarikari Range which is part of DOC’s Battle
for our Birds/Tiakina Ngā Manu programme. The
true left bank of Tongariro River makes up the south-
western boundary of the operation and is frequented
by fishermen, trampers and hunters. Most land within
the area is owned by land trusts which manage forest
assets and in these forests permit-only hunting occurs.
TB MANAGEMENT AREA
AND ERADICATION
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
The operation is part of the Turangi TMA
where eradication is expected in 2024.
METHOD PREFERRED
The area covers a varied landscape which makes
CONSULTATION AND it harder to get effective TB control using ground
control. It is safer and more cost effective to use
COLLABORATION
aerial operations for this area.
OSPRI has worked with DOC to coordinate control
to the benefit of the BFOB programme and further
collaboration is likely to occur with ongoing BFOB
operations. Major landowners have been advised and
met with. Consultation with these groups is ongoing.
RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
There are a limited number of herds in this area and
none are currently infected. However, in 2014 and 2015
two pigs were identified to be infected with TB.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 17
Waitara Valley
NORTH ISLAND
Hawke’s Bay
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Waitara Valley aerial project in Northern Hawke’s
Bay. The western section of the block is made
with TB operational areas from the Waipunga and
Waitara valley areas. The Waipunga area is primarily
native forest while the Waitara Valley strata are a
mix of commercial forestry and regenerating native
vegetation.
TMA AND ERADICATION
The operation is part of the Tutaekuri-Waitara
TMA where eradication is expected by 2027.
CONSULTATION AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL
COLLABORATIONS METHOD PREFERRED
Consultation with local landowners and land
Thorough control throughout the operational boundary
users has begun and will continue through 2019.
is required to reach the TB eradication targets.
The large size of the block, the steep terrain, and
RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY the dense bush cover make aerial control the most
There is currently a TB infected cattle herd in the effective control method for the area.
Waitara Valley. This aerial operation has been brought
forward a year in response to the recent TB infection.
Infected pigs (4) which have the same DNA as the herd
breakdowns have been recovered from nearby habitat.
ospri.co.nz18 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
AERIAL OPERATIONS
2020
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 19
Bush Gully and Tarndale
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
Canterbury/Marlborough
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
These blocks form part of a comprehensive 10-year
pest control programme in the Molesworth area. Exact
boundaries and timing are yet to be confirmed but are
likely to encompass the following areas:
Bush Gully covers about 21,500 ha; Tarndale covers
about 40,000 ha and will include areas of the internal
block of Molesworth Station. Neither has had aerial
1080 control before.
The Bush Gully aerial block encompasses parts of
the Crimea Range and lies to the north and north-west
of Hanmer Springs. Major waterways include
the Leaderdale, Bush Gully and Five Mile Stream.
place in 2019 before being put back to 2020. There
Tarndale encompasses land in the areas of the internal
is strong hunting interest in this area and on-going
block of the Molesworth property including Yarra River,
consultation is being undertaken with hunters and
Alma River and Tarndale. A proposed extension to the
hunting groups including inviting interested parties to
Tarndale aerial extends down the Wairau river through
provide feedback via the national consultation process.
to Dip flat covering approx. 18,000 ha. The habitat type
is predominantly rolling to steep terrain with tussock,
native grasses, scrub and bush isolated to patches and RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
gullies. It generally has a dry, draught-prone climate. The Molesworth/Clarence Reserve and Clarence
Tarndale’s habitat type is arid Marlborough grasslands Catchment TMAs have an extensive history of TB
interspersed with patches of scrub and bush. infection in both wildlife and livestock. TB has been
found in all surveys, most recently in ferrets and
TMA AND ERADICATION pigs in 2015. Possum control undertaken to date has
been sporadic and has not been enough to achieve
The Bush Gully aerial sits within the Clarence
possum TB freedom throughout the TMAs.
Catchment TMA where TB freedom is expected in
2033. The Tarndale aerial sits within the Molesworth/ No possum monitoring has taken in place in the
Clarence Reserve TMA where TB freedom is expected Bush Gully or Tarndale operational areas. Possum
in 2027. Due to the recent discovery of bovine TB in population is expected to be at carrying capacity
a local herd determined to be from a wildlife source, as these areas have not been controlled before.
there is a requirement to extend the Tarndale aerial The TB prevalence in pigs from within Molesworth
block north to include part of the Wairau Waihopai Station has consistently been high. TB-infected ferrets
TMA. The expected TB freedom date of Wairau have been found in the neighboring Rainbow and
Waihopai is expected to match the Molesworth/ Sedgemere areas in 2016, 2017 and 2018 which is
Clarence Reserve. indicative of relatively high TB prevalence in possums.
The recent herd breakdown is further evidence TB
CONSULTATION AND could be present in the possum population.
COLLABORATIONS
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
Because of the sensitivities surrounding this operation,
the Molesworth Steering Group has been established
METHOD PREFERRED
with representatives from key stakeholders including This TMA is vast and the potential to miss a cluster
PAMU, DOC, NZDA, NZGAC and OSPRI. Consultation of infection is high. Aerial control will ensure no
began in 2018 as this joint operation was due to take pockets of infection are left behind.
ospri.co.nz20 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
Upper Awatere
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
North and South
Marlborough
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Upper Awatere North and South operations take
in parts of the Muller Station and Middlehurst Station
on either side of Awatere Valley.
The country rises from the central ground control
block up to the steep sub alpine lands of the aerial
block, interspersed by high country streams. Alpine
beech bush is more prevalent on the northern side
of the Awatere River otherwise, scrub and matagouri
predominates.
Awatere North begins at Molesworth Stream up to
Saxton Pass and runs west along the ridge towards
Shingle Peak. The western boundary follows Castle RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
River down to the foothills where it meets back up
This area has a long history of TB infection in wild
with Molesworth Stream. Awatere South begins in
animals and livestock. Two local stations have had
the headwaters of the Winterton River and runs along
TB outbreaks and there is a single infected herd at
the Inland Kaikoura Range.
present. There is also a long-standing infected herd
Block 1 (south of the Tone River) was controlled located in the neighbouring Clarence Reserve TMA.
June 2019. There are long-lived, infected deer and pigs in the
Awatere TMA.
TMA AND ERADICATION
OPERATIONAL CONTROL
The area is part of the Molesworth/Clarence Reserve
TMA and eradication of TB from possums is expected METHOD PREFERRED
by 2027. This TMA is large, rugged and the potential to miss
a cluster of infection is high.
CONSULTATION AND
COLLABORATIONS
Part of the operation was flown in 2019 with
consultation undertaken with NZDA Marlborough
and landowners.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 21
Buller South
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
West Coast
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
The Buller South block extends south of Charleston
north east to the Buller Gorge and State Highway 6
Westport to Inangahua. It encompasses the Awakiri
and the Nile River valleys and extends inland by some
6km to include some of the Paparoa Ranges just west
of Mt Euclid but including Buckland Peaks. On the
western boundary it is bounded by thick bush and
State Highway 6 Westport to Greymouth.
The area is considered Kea habitat so must be carried
out before August 2020 to meet performance standard
4 in the Kea Code of Practice.
TMA AND ERADICATION This area has received control over a long period; both
The area is part of the Buller Coast TMA, where aerial and ground control. It was flown in 2006 and
possum TB freedom is expected by 2023. 2011. TB has not been actively looked for in wildlife in
recent years as the focus has been possum population
CONSULTATION AND reduction where there was evidence of wildlife
infection in livestock.
COLLABORATIONS
There is potential for a collaboration with DOC through OPERATIONAL CONTROL
this operation. It is likely the operational area will
METHOD PREFERRED
increase to take in uncontrolled areas around the
periphery to avoid gaps in control between DOC’s It would not be viable to conduct the operations
Punakaiki operation and TBfree’s Buller South aerial as ground control due to the rugged nature and extent
operation. of the terrain.
RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
The most recent wildlife related infection was in
2015. This area has a significant number of dairy farm
units and a few dry stock farms, with dairy increasing
annually. Historically, there have been 4 infected
herds. Numerous heifers born in 2015 grazing on
Landcorp/ PAMU farms in the Buller Coast area have
ended up with a local strain of TB. There is high risk
of TB infection continuing in this area if there is not
continuous effective control which is best achieved
through aerial operations.
ospri.co.nz22 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
New Creek / Mokihinui
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
West Coast
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
NEW CREEK: This operation begins at the Buller Gorge
through to the eastern side of the Mt William Range.
The western boundary adjoins the Buller North aerial
and the northern boundary adjoins the Mokihinui
aerial. The northern boundary encompasses the
southern end of the Glasgow Range tracking south
to encompass part of the Lyell Range. There are
approximately 20 properties associated with this
operation, most of whom are adjoining landowners.
Most of the proposed treatment area is administered
by the Department of Conservation. The Old
Ghost Road Cycleway runs through the proposed
treatment areas. The area is considered kea habitat so
work must be carried out before August 2020 to meet RECENT TB INFECTION HISTORY
performance standard 4 in the Kea Code of Practice.
TB wildlife has been found within the New Creek
MOKIHINUI: The operational area covers the area north block and three herds in and around the New Creek/
of Ngakawau river to the Lyell Range, up to the Matiri Mokihinui area have had recent infection supporting
Range and north to the Mokihinui forest. The Mokihinui the need for aerial control.
river flows through the operational area. The area takes
in the hills behind the community of Seddonville which The New Creek block was last flown completely in
is approximately 2km away from the treatment area. 2016. DOCs Battle For Our Birds programme will cover
99% of the area is managed by DOC with some Ngai a significant portion of the New Creek operational area
Tahu Forest Estate. The Old Ghost Road Cycleway runs in 2019, meaning the proposed boundary may reduce
through the proposed treatment areas. The area is accordingly in 2020.
considered kea habitat so must be carried out before The Mokihinui block was last controlled in 2014 and
August 2020 to meet performance standard 4 in the 2016 in response to previous beech mast events.
Kea Code of Practice. The 2020 aerial will support the neighbouring
New Creek and Radiant Range operations and is the
TMA AND ERADICATION third and final aerial before final Proof of Freedom
analyses will take place to revoke the VRA status.
The New Creek aerial is in Buller TMA where possum
TB freedom is expected by 2027. The Mokihinui aerial
is in Mokihinui TMA where TB freedom in possums is OPERATIONAL CONTROL
expected by 2026. METHOD PREFERRED
It would not be viable to conduct this operation as
CONSULTATION AND ground control due to the isolated and rugged nature
COLLABORATIONS of the terrain. The proposed aerial is the preferred
control option for this block as it will provide the best
There is potential for the operational area to reduce
coverage for least cost.
in size following DOC’s BFOB work in 2019.
TBfree is an OSPRI programme2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION 23
Radiant Range
NORTHERN SOUTH ISLAND
West Coast
TERRAIN AND OPERATIONAL AREA
This operation encompasses the Radiant Range in
the southern Kahurangi National Park area. It extends
eastwards towards Allan Range and Matiri Range.
There are no maintained tracks in the Radiant Range
block. The Johnson Hut tracks are unmaintained routes.
The closest track is the Wangapeka along the northern
boundary. There is also a route that runs up onto the
Matiri Tops from the Wangapeka Saddle.
The area is considered kea habitat so must be carried
out before August 2020 to meet performance standard
4 in the Kea Code of Practice.
The proposed boundary borders the Department of
Conservation’s Battle for our Birds work programme OPERATIONAL CONTROL
and neighbouring TBfree NZ aerial operations. The
entire block is DOC land and was last flown in 2016.
METHOD PREFERRED
This operation will provide protection from possums
TB MANAGEMENT AREA moving west from the Kahurangi National Park via
valley conduits.
AND ERADICATION
The potential possum carrying capacity of the area
The operations are part of the Mokihinui TMA
is high and therefore there is a greater risk that the
where possum TB freedom is expected by 2026.
disease could survive in an isolated and uncontrolled
population. Mitigation is to apply coordinated control
CONSULTATION AND on adjacent areas, maintaining buffers as necessary to
COLLABORATION prevent reinvasion.
Radiant Range acts as an important ‘gap filler’ It would not be viable to conduct the operations as
supporting DOC’s Kahurangi BFOB programme. ground control due to the extremely rugged nature
OSPRI’s work following the 2019 BFOB mast of the terrain. The proposed aerial is the preferred
response will ensure that Kahurangi National Park control option for this block as it will provide the best
receives almost blanket coverage – a benefit to coverage for least cost.
both programmes’ operational objectives.
RECENT TB INFECTION
TB-infected possums were captured in the Bush Flat
area (behind Karamea) in 2014 proving TB is present in
the wildlife in the neighbouring area.
There are no herds within or adjoining the Radiant
Range operation, however, Karamea lies just to the
northwest and wildlife related infection has been
prominent in this area. Tackling the potential source
of infection by controlling possum numbers in
Kahurangi National Park will support TB freedom
in the Karamea area.
ospri.co.nz24 2020 TBFREE DISEASE CONTROL OPERATIONS CONSULTATION
HAVE YOUR SAY
We invite feedback on our 2020 national plan for TBfree pest control operations. OSPRI seeks to consult
specifically on the nature, boundaries and timing of proposed operations.
Submissions are invited on the operations proposed in this document not on wider issues such as the purposes
of the TBfree programme or the use of 1080 for pest control in New Zealand.
OSPRI encourages engagement with interested communities and those affected by proposed TBfree operations,
and invites input until 30 September 2019 through several channels:
• By email to consultation@ospri.co.nz
• By post to National TBfree Operations Consultation, PO Box 3412, Wellington 6140
• By phone on 0800 482 463
• By completing the form on the www.ospri.co.nz/have-your-say website.
Please use the form below to submit your feedback on any of the proposed pest control operations outlined
in this document.
Your submission may become publicly available information. For this reason, please indicate clearly if your
comments are commercially sensitive or if, for some other reason, you do not consider that they should be
disclosed. Any request for non-disclosure would be considered under the Official Information Act 1982 and
the Privacy Act 1993.
Submissions will be used to inform the final proposals.
Name
Position and organisation
Area of interest (farmer, hunter, etc)
Phone
Email
Postal address
1. What is the proposed aerial operation/s you are commenting on?
2. What is the primary subject of your submission?
Timings of proposed operation Other (please state):
Rationale for operation
Impact of business or commercial activity
General operational concerns
3. Please outline your feedback
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