Spraying will be carried out by helicopter in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regional Plan: Air for Otago, Regional Plan: Water, and the applicable EPA permissions.

The programme will target gorse, broom, lupin, and juvenile willow located on beaches and islands within the main river corridors.

Holders of known water takes in these areas will be notified separately.

Spraying is planned to begin from 30 March 2026 and be completed by the end of April 2026. Actual spray dates will be weather-dependent and subject to contractor availability.

The river included in this programme is:

• Motatapu River from the confluence with the Matukituki upstream for approximately 5km.

A map of the spray area is available on ORC’s website at orc.govt.nz/RiverSpraying26.

Please note: This map shows the indicative extent of the programme only. It does not identify the specific target sites within this boundary. Only confirmed target areas located on beaches and islands will be sprayed.

For any enquiries, please contact customerservices@orc.govt.nz or call 0800 474 082.