Spraying will be carried out by ground crews in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regional lan: Air for Otago and Regional Plan: Water.

The programme will target gorse, broom, lupin, and juvenile willow located within the main river fairways.

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

Spraying is planned to begin from 23 February 2026 and be completed by the end of March 2026. Actual  pray dates will be weather-dependent and subject to contractor availability.

The rivers included in this programme are:

• Heriot Burn from Morris St to 200m downstream of Shanks Rd and Park Hill Rd to confluence of Pomahaka River.
• Waipahi River from West Otago Rd bridge to confluence of Pomahaka River. 
• Waitahuna River from Clutha valley road at Queens hill bridge to the mouth.
• Waiwera River from 600m upstream of SH1 and Kuriwao Siding Rd to 3kms downstream of SH1 and Telford Rd. 
• Kaihiku Stream from 400m downstream of Clifton Rd to Whitelea Rd bridge.
• Tokomairaro River from Mount Stuart to Crichton Road.

Maps of the spray areas will be available on ORC’s website at orc.govt.nz/CluthaSpraying26

Please note: these maps show the indicative extent of the programme only. They do not identify the specific target sites within these boundaries. Only confirmed target areas will be sprayed.

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