An early review of the Otago Regional Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan 2019 –2029 (RPMP) is set to begin. The Regional Pest Management Plan, established on 25 September 2019, is required to be reviewed every ten years, however council is reviewing this now to meet changing community expectations around pests and make sure the best framework possible is in place to manage pests across the region. 

ORC will engage with iwi partners, key stakeholders, community and other affected parties to develop a proposal for a new plan. This proposal will undergo a public notification process in early 2027, where everyone can read the proposed plan, and have their say on whether they think it is fair, equitable, and able to meet its pest management objectives. 

A regional pest management plan identifies pests in the region and sets goals to either keep certain pests out of Otago, get rid of them, or reduce them. The plan also makes rules for people to follow.

There are many pest species that can impact Otago’s environment, communities and economy - 51 species are currently managed under ORC’s Regional Pest Management Plan. 

An online survey opens for a month from Friday 27 March asking the public which pests most concern them, why, and where these pests are in Otago.

A Councillor reference group is leading the review. Reference group member Councillor Kevin Malcolm says, “We really value the work that the people of Otago do to manage pests. Ten years is a long time for a pest plan to remain up-to-date and fit for purpose. Since 2019, when the plan was adopted, the community has told us that the issues they are facing have evolved and the current plan doesn’t permit a change in pest management priorities, so a review of what is included is warranted.”

“The online survey is the first step, with community drop-ins scheduled for June this year. Local communities will be provided with a range of opportunities to have their say on which pests should be included in the new plan.”

The process is expected to take 18 months, and the feedback received will funnel into the proposal for the new plan. 

Manager Environmental Implementation Libby Caldwell says, “When it comes to our regional pest management plan we need to decide, are there new contenders? Or are there pests which no longer need control or containment? We know people will have strong opinions and we invite feedback.”

Mrs Caldwell says a cost/benefit analysis for each pest, which will be developed as the review rolls out, will help people understand the cost involved in controlling pests. “Through the consultation we want to understand from the public what is most important and of value to include in the plan. Once we have gathered feedback, a draft plan will be developed and opened for submissions.”

Land occupier’s role - control pests on their property
ORC’s role - educate people about the rules, and enforce these if needed
Monitor and undertake surveillance of pest species and respond to an incursion of a pest species that the plan aims to keep out of Otago.

Information on the pest plan review’s stages, the 51 pests in the current plan and a link to the online survey can be found at orc.govt.nz/pestplanreview