Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS)

The Regional Pest Management Strategy defines our priorities and goals regarding control of animal and plant pests across the Auckland region.

The strategy is the basis of our ongoing pest control programmes with the objective of minimizing harm to:

• endangered species
• species diversity
• water quality
• recreation
• international trade
• human health
• soil resources
• Maori culture
• primary production

The primary responsibility for management of pests rests with land owners and occupiers, however the ARC will provide advice, support and community education on the threats and control of pests. In areas of high conservation value (HCV sites) or where any of the above areas are seriously threatened, the ARC will undertake control on behalf of the community.

The strategy is reviewed and prepared every 5 years to reflect the current state of the environment and to enable inclusion of new pests.

Part I - Introduction

Contains introductory and background information relating to the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the development of the RPMS. It includes a description of the Auckland region, effects of the RPMS, the statutory framework for development of RPMS, key principles of the strategy, management obligations and the responsibilities of affected parties.

Part II - Pest Management Programmes

Contains information specific to each of the pest plants and animals addressed in this RPMS. It includes a description of each pest and its impacts, along with the objectives, Rules, and management methods to be employed. The Community Initiative Programmes are also described.

Total Control Pest Plants (ARC undertakes control)
High risk, low incidence pest plants that are able to be eradicated within the region or defined areas of the region. The ARC undertakes control of these pest plants at its own expense. These plants are banned from sale, propagation and distribution.

Containment Pest Plants (Landowner/Occupier obliged to control)
These plants are likely to either occur in localised areas of the region or are considered a significant threat to areas with high conservation values (HCV sites). Either across the region or in specified areas, landowners/occupiers are required to treat and control these plants on their land. Containment pest plants are also banned from sale, propagation and distribution.

Surveillance Pest Plants
These plants are prohibited from sale, propagation and distribution to prevent their establishment or spread. The ARC will ensure these species are not offered for sale by undertaking regular checks of retailers and growers. The ARC offers advice on control of these species and funds research into biological control options.

Community Initiatives Pest Plants
The pest plants in this category have been selected to allow site led control programmes to be undertaken by the community outside of the defined/specified areas. Certain criteria apply.

Part III - Administrative Systems and Processes

Contains information on strategy powers, funding, regulatory management, monitoring of strategy objectives and exemptions.

Part IV - Other Management Programmes and Initiatives

Contains information on the Council's policies on the provision of advice and education, commitment to biological control programmes, site-led control programmes, vector control programmes, the Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area, and cross boundary issues.

Part V - Research Programmes

Sets out the manner by which ARC will investigate potential pest species, and includes a list of those plants and animals for which further research is currently considered necessary. The organisms listed in this Part are not declared pests.

Part VI - Appendices

Part VI contains additional information for interpretation of the RPMS, including definition of terms and acronyms used in the Strategy, an index of all plant and animal species mentioned within the Strategy, maps of specific areas referred to within the Strategy and references.