ORC Biosecurity News shares the latest updates on pests, weeds, wilding pines, and all things biosecurity across Otago. Stay in the loop with local stories, project updates, and practical info to help protect our environment and communities.
ORC to begin control work following African feather grass incursion
Council grateful to local ‘pest detectives’
ORC Confirms Funding Model for $2M Environmental Fund
Otago Regional Council (ORC) has confirmed the model it will use to deliver its $2 million Large-scale Environmental Fund, with the final process to be decided in June.
Rabbits, feral cats and conifers top pest survey results
Survey extended by a month: The Otago Regional Council is reviewing its regional pest management plan, kicking off with a region-wide survey asking people which pests worry them most.
Final reminder: ECO Fund applications close 19 April
Communities, iwi, and landowners seeking funds for environmental projects across Otago are being reminded to apply for Otago Regional Council’s annual ECO Fund by Sunday, 19 April.
Lower Taieri floodbanks rabbit control
Otago Regional Council contractors will be undertaking night shoots to control rabbit numbers on the ORC floodbanks of the Lower Taieri.
Lower Clutha floodbanks rabbit control
Otago Regional Council contractors will be undertaking night shoots to control rabbit numbers on the ORC floodbanks of the Lower Clutha.
African feather grass incursion confirmed in coastal Otago
Exclusion pest reported by a member of the public
ORC reviewing regional pest plan
Council asks, ‘Which pests worry you the most, and why? Are there new contenders?’
ECO Fund opens 16 March for environmental projects across Otago
Otago Regional Council’s ECO Fund is open for applications from 16 March until 19 April, with private landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations invited to apply
Free webinars offered for 2026 ECO Fund applicants
Landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations are invited to learn more about Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund and how to submit a strong application, with two free webinars taking place on 3 and 10 March.
Notice of tree maintenance operation: Lower Clutha
Otago Regional Council will carry out scheduled riparian tree maintenance on drains and waterways in Lower Clutha from 19 February to 30 June 2026 to support flood protection and waterway health.
Notice of spraying operations - Upper Ōamaru area
Otago Regional Council (ORC) advises the public of its intention to undertake ground spraying on targeted sections of the rivers listed below.
Notice of spraying operations - Clutha area
Otago Regional Council (ORC) advises the public of its intention to undertake ground spraying on targeted sections of the rivers listed below.
Notice of spraying operations - Dunstan Creek and Manuherekia River
Otago Regional Council (ORC) advises the public of its intention to undertake aerial spraying on targeted sections of the rivers listed below.
Look out for ORC’s freshwater ambassadors in Central Otago this summer
Otago Regional Council’s biosecurity team is once again rolling out its summer freshwater ambassador programme — this year with two new ambassadors who will be out and about across Otago’s lakes and rivers over the holiday season.
ORC kicks off summer water monitoring across Otago
With warmer weather arriving and more people heading to their favourite rivers, lakes, and beaches, ORC launched its annual summer water monitoring programme yesterday.
Flagstaff wallaby search near Dunedin continues
ORC’s wallaby search programme around Flagstaff near Dunedin has not found any trace of the pests yet - but is set to continue into next year.
Wallaby search and control operation for Flagstaff
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) have commenced an operation to control Bennett’s Wallaby in the Flagstaff area, on the outskirts of Dunedin.
ORC rabbit control — Lower Taieri Floodbanks
Otago Regional Council contractors will be undertaking night shoots to control rabbit numbers on the ORC floodbanks of the Lower Taieri.
Last ‘kaah’ for rook pests in Otago
Spot a rook? Call in the professionals to deal with it, urges Otago Regional Council.
Celebrating success: Jobs for Nature projects deliver lasting gains for Otago’s environment
Two major ORC initiatives funded through the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme have wrapped up with outstanding results — leaving a lasting legacy for the region’s waterways, biodiversity, and communities. These projects have only been successful due to the effort of mana whenua, East Otago Catchment Group and landowners in the area.
New form sends your pest sightings direct to ORC’s Biosecurity team
Have you seen a rook? What about Mediterranean fanworm?
New $2m large-scale environmental fund endorsed by ORC
ORC councillors yesterday gave the green light for staff to progress a proposed $2 million large scale environmental fund.
ORC’s ECO Fund almost 3X oversubscribed again – shortlisted to 28
Applications for Otago Regional Council’s annual ECO Fund is again almost three times oversubscribed - with 28 projects having been shortlisted from a total 69 applications.
ORC rabbit control — Lower Taieri floodbanks
ORC contractors will conduct night shoots to control rabbits on Lower Taieri floodbanks from 5–31 May 2025.
28 Otago projects gain more than $1m environmental funding from ORC
ORC Councillors today unanimously gave the green light for 28 community-lead environmental projects around Otago to receive a total $1,059,178, from its annual ECO Fund disbursement.
ORC rabbit control — Lower Clutha floodbanks
During May 2025, Otago Regional Council contractors will carry out night shoots to manage rabbit numbers on ORC-owned floodbanks in the Lower Clutha.
Contact ORC now - ECO Fund applications closing 31 March
Communities across Otago seeking funds for environmental projects are being reminded grant applications for ORC’s annual more than $1 million ECO Fund close on Monday, 31 March.
Spray control notice - Spartina
Otago Regional Council will control invasive Spartina in select estuaries and Blueskin Bay from early March to mid-April 2025.
Public notice: Rees Matukituki spraying
ORC will conduct aerial herbicide spraying on selected river sections from March to April 2025 to control willow, broom, and gorse.
ORC welcomes $500K boost to fight threatening wilding pines
Otago Regional Council has welcomed a $500,000 boost in grants from the Government to fight the spread of wilding pines — with 12 areas covering more than 3200ha identified around the province.
ORC wraps up several water-related projects over summer
ORC successfully ran three separate water-based programmes over summer, covering water quality monitoring across lakes and rivers, freshwater pest education and engagement and a boatie watercraft safety campaign around coastal and Central Otago.
Public asked to report rook sightings
People are being asked to report rook sightings during spring, when the pest birds are most active.
ORC green lights $854k for 33 community environmental projects
A total 33 environmental projects across Otago have been granted a total $854,733 in this year’s annual ECO Fund and Incentives Funding programmes.
Destructive marine pest found at Port Chalmers
Boat owners and water users across Otago’s coastline are being asked to check their vessel’s hull and mooring for any sign of Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) - an exotic marine pest which poses serious threats to the marine environment.
Boost to biosecurity and biodiversity programmes
Two separate reports on biodiversity and biosecurity operations around Otago have revealed increased engagement and a steady boost to the projects underway.
Management of Shotover wilding conifers moves to maintenance only phase
However, the hard-won milestone comes with a warning not to take a pause on this fast-spreading pest, says ORC Chair Gretchen Robertson.
Building on successful community rabbit control programme at Moeraki – ORC
After four years a successful, community rabbit management programme at Moeraki is being celebrated - but co-operative vigilance remains the key for long-term success.
First spy wallaby hunt successful: ORC
ORC has completed its first surveillance operation looking at whether spy wallaby will lead hunters to other wallaby.
First toxic algae warning for summer at Butchers Dam
Following staff observations and testing of water samples taken from Butchers Dam in Central Otago earlier this week, the presence of cyanobacteria (toxic algae) has prompted a no-swim warning.
Rook numbers in decline but public asked to report sightings
Rook numbers are down across Otago and Southland but the public are being asked to report any recent sightings to avoid a flare-up in numbers, says the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Environment Southland.
Spy wallaby research looking to find new way to control wallaby
The release of 10 ‘seeker’ wallabies fitted with satellite GPS collars into sites in South Canterbury last week marks a New Zealand first in the nationwide fight against Bennett’s wallaby, an invasive introduced pest.
The hitchhiker Otago doesn’t want to pick up – Freshwater gold clam
Otago Regional Council (ORC) is asking recreational water users in Otago to be vigilant after the discovery of a new aquatic pest species in New Zealand.
Public notice: Aerial Rabbit Surveillance
As part of its pest monitoring role, the Otago Regional Council is carrying out helicopter rabbit surveillance flights in some areas of Otago during June.
New Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group calls for urgent action on controlling wilding conifers
The recently established Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group aims to control wilding trees in the wider Upper Clutha area, with the Otago Regional Council helping it get off the ground.
ORC’s summer top ten to keep the environment safe
The Otago Regional Council has released its summer Top 10 list of things people can do when travelling around Otago this summer - which will make a difference to the environment and keep their families and pets safe.
Look out for ORC’s Check, Clean, Dry advocates in Central Otago these holidays
ORC’s biosecurity team welcomes two new summer advocates this week, tasked with keeping aquatic pests front of mind for those enjoying recreational activities in Otago’s lakes and rivers these holidays.
Toxic algal blooms prompt vigilance call – ORC
The public are being asked to be vigilant in spotting potentially toxic algae blooms forming in some Otago waterways – with the ORC now reporting four areas of concern in recent weeks.
A success story 30 years in the making – from 4000 rooks to 40 in the South
A joint Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Environment Southland approach has pushed rook numbers down to an estimated 40 in the Otago/Southland regions, a far cry from the many thousands which were breeding in the 1980s and 90s.
Low temperatures are bringing out the wallaby hunters
People in the Livingstone area would have seen a drone in the sky after dark and dogs and handlers on the ground during the past week.
ORC and Environment Canterbury join forces to control wallabies in the two regions
Otago Regional Council and Environment Canterbury are encouraging people to report wallaby sightings, as part of efforts to control these animals, regarded as serious pests.
Public notice: Pindone Liquid Baited Carrots for Rabbit Control
The Otago Regional Council is facilitating suitably qualified* individuals/groups access to pre-cut and pindone liquid baited carrot in order to better manage rabbit populations in the region.
Check, Clean, Dry advocates out and about in Central Otago these holidays
ORC’s biosecurity team welcomes two new advocates tasked with keeping lake weeds front of mind for those enjoying freshwater activities this summer.
Be on the lookout for rooks this spring
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) undertakes active rook pest management between September and November, and we need help from the community to spot them around Otago.
Regional Councillors concerned about potential risks associated with carbon forests
Otago Regional Councillors have resolved to lobby central government regarding concerns about the potential hazards and risks to the environment associated with carbon forests.
Big gains made to control estuary pest plant
In 2015, many Otago estuaries were covered in spartina, which is a grassy plant that grows in shallow saltwater. Now, thanks to some innovative thinking and five years of hard work, big in-roads have been made towards containment in estuaries around Otago that used to be plagued by this invasive pest plant.
Where’s wally? ORC calls on the public for help tracking an invasive pest
In recent years, Bennett’s wallabies have been trying to establish themselves in Otago.
Old Man’s Beard must go!
Over the summer months, Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) biosecurity team are out and about inspecting properties for Old Man’s Beard. ORC is asking for support from the public to control this pest plant and stop it from spreading further.
Check, Clean, Dry campaign rolling out for summer
The campaign highlights three essential steps to avoid spreading aquatic pests.
Clyde Rabbit Control
From Monday 3 August 2020 (weather dependent) carrot bait and toxin will be laid over a period of four weeks to control rabbits in Clyde for a control operation facilitated by Otago Regional Council for the following landowners:
ORC to receive over $6m in funding for wilding conifer and wallaby control this year
The funding from Biosecurity New Zealand is part of an accelerated investment in jobs for nature, particularly in the Queenstown Lakes area.
Media Advisory: Rooks spotted on Maniototo property
Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff responded this week to a report of about twenty rooks on a farm in the Maniototo, and confirmed the sightings.
Decision on the Otago Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029
Pursuant to section 75 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, the Otago Regional Council gives public notice that it has made its decision on the Otago Regional Pest Management Plan.
ORC needs your support to control Old Man’s Beard around Otago.
Two botany students, from the University of Otago, have been given three-month scholarships to help carry out inspections in order to help ORC and the public identify Old Man’s Beard in the region. In return, the students get hands-on experience while assisting ORC to protect Otago’s biodiversity.
Winning the war on broom with miniscule mites
Broom gall mites, released and monitored by the Otago Regional Council, have proven an effective weapon for combatting broom and restricting its invasion of our unique environments.
Rook eradication in Otago - On the path to success
The Otago Regional Council’s pest control programme has reduced rook numbers to around 40 with evidence suggesting that there is no longer a breeding population in Otago. Rooks, originally introduced to control insects in New Zealand, are considered a pest due to the extensive damage they can cause to crops and new grass.
Consultation is now open for Otago’s proposed Regional Pest Management Plan and Biosecurity Strategy
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is asking for submissions on the Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan and feedback on the proposed Biosecurity Strategy.
Old Man’s Beard Must Go
Despite its attractive flowers, Old Man’s Beard is considered the most damaging climbing plant introduced to New Zealand because it smothers the plants and trees it grows on. This makes it a threat to Otago’s biodiversity.
ORC receives approval to release rabbit virus in Otago
Land owners around Otago will be breathing a sigh of relief that the application to import and release a rabbit virus has been approved. The RHDV1 K5 (K5) virus is a Korean variant of a strain that is already in New Zealand, and could reduce the rabbit population by over 40%. Otago Regional Council (ORC) director environmental monitoring and operations Scott MacLean said the approval of K5 is good news for Otago. “Rabbits are the number one pest in Otago,” he said. “Ten rabbits can eat as much grass as one sheep. They are a threat to our biodiversity, not to mention the soil degradation and loss of soil caused by rabbit holes and warrens.
ORC re-vamps community grants program – ECO Fund.
Today Otago Regional Councillors adopted a re-vamped community grants program. The fund, which will hold up to $250,000 per annum, aims to support work that protects and enhances Otago’s environment and enable community-driven environmental activities.
Frankton Bay and Lake Hayes - contact recreation results
Otago Regional Council (ORC) water quality samples taken from Frankton Bay at Lake Wakatipu have returned a reduced level of the bacteria E. coli, and also following two successive weeks where cyanobacteria levels have reduced, swim warning signage will be removed from Lake Hayes today.
Don’t spread unwanted freshwater pests this summer holiday season
With the summer holiday season now underway, Otago Regional Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries are reminding everyone living in or visiting Otago and the Southern Lakes of the importance of cleaning their equipment between waterways to avoid the spread of unwanted freshwater pests including the invasive algae Didymo.
Potentially toxic algae reported in Tomahawk Lagoon
High levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has been sampled from the Tomahawk lagoon in Dunedin, prompting a warning from the Otago Regional Council for people (and dogs) to avoid contact with the waters of the lagoon.
Help prevent the spread of Undaria
Boaties visiting Fiordland should be aware of restrictions in Breaksea Sound to prevent further spread of the marine pest Undaria.
Velvetleaf discovery highlights need for renewed farmer vigilance
A Central Otago farmer’s discovery of a 1m tall velvetleaf plant next to a fodder beet crop on his property has highlighted the need for all landowners in the region to be on the lookout for the invasive pest plant.
Otago Regional Council knows that good things sometimes take time
July is Biosecurity Month, and Otago Regional Council (ORC) biosecurity staff are quietly celebrating a tiny mite that shows promising signs of controlling the broom plant.
ORC chairman welcomes wilding conifer control funding
Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead today welcomed Government plans to control the spread of wilding conifers in the Lammermoor Range in Otago.
Public reminder to look out for potentially toxic algae this summer
High levels of naturally occurring Phormidium or blue green-algae have been reported at the Confluence of Dunstan Creek and Manuherikia River today. Existing alerts are in place at Cardrona River.
Look out - rooks are about
Otago Regional Council (ORC) needs help from the community to keep an eye out for rooks and their nesting sites throughout Otago, as part of the annual spring eradication programme.
ORC supports hunt for velvetleaf
Otago Regional Council (ORC) is throwing its weight behind the efforts to find and contain the pest agricultural weed velvetleaf.
ORC funds large-scale pest control initiative
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is financially supporting a major project involving control of invasive pests such as stoats, ferrets, and rats in an area north-east of Dunedin.
ORC grants boost community pest control efforts
A volunteer effort in the Makarora Valley adjacent to the Haast Pass Highway near Wanaka to help control predators which threaten native birds has received a $23,395 boost from the Otago Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund.
MPI enlists support in hunt for pest weed
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is asking farmers and growers of arable crops to look out for a highly invasive pest weed that has appeared on a handful of South Island properties.
ORC welcomes Government funding for fight against pest trees
The Otago Regional Council today welcomed the Budget 2016 announcement of $16 million of new operating funding being allocated over four years to tackle wilding conifers throughout New Zealand.
Regional funding proposed for fight against pest tree
Otago people will get to have their say on whether the Otago Regional Council (ORC) should contribute to the funding of wilding conifer management in the region.
Support shown for controlling spread of pest pines
An online survey run by the Otago Regional Council points to strong support for council involvement in the management of wilding conifers in the region.
Community volunteers boost Otago Velvetleaf operation
Community volunteers are joining Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff and their counterparts from other agencies, to help rid the invasive pest plant velvetleaf from fodder beet crops in the Otago region.
Otago farmers urged to stay on the lookout for velvetleaf
The Otago Regional Council says the immediate threat from velvetleaf has been tackled but the fight against the invasive pest plant isn’t yet won.
Regional gem shortlisted for national award
Otago Regional Council extends congratulations to Orokonui Ecosanctuary on being a finalist in the Protecting Our Biodiversity category of the Green Ribbon Awards announced yesterday.
