Options for managing feral goats to be explored

Options for managing feral goats in Hawke’s Bay are likely to be explored as the region grapples with the positive and negative effects of the hairy creatures.

A report to a recent Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Environment and Services Committee meeting outlined the work done to date with the community in an effort to manage feral goats.

HBRC Manager Land Services Campbell Leckie says while feral goats are eating their way through Hawke’s Bay’s native vegetation, they simultaneously are seen by some as a valuable resource that can be mustered and sold for financial gain.

“There are strong opposing views on the value of feral goats. On one hand they are seen as a significant pest, while others see them as an important on farm management tool and potential money earner,” says Mr Leckie.

Yesterday’s Hawke’s Bay Regional Council meeting voted to instruct staff to scope out the options and value of developing a rule based on the principle of being a good neighbour for managing feral goats through the Regional Pest Management Plan review.

Campbell Leckie says such rules might deal with the inaction of a landowner who has a pest on their land that is creating unreasonable external costs on neighbouring properties who might for example have invested a lot of time and money in restoration plantings.

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