Media Statement

Wallabies offside
30 October 2015

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is keen to stop further expansion of wallabies (termed 'unwanted organisms' in the Biosecurity Act) within the Bay of Plenty.

The advert above has been created to remind people to report these pests if they see them west of Rotorua, east of Kawerau, or south of Rainbow Mountain. Prompt reporting will enable the Regional Council to deal with these rugby sized pests.

• The reminder comes after reports of wallaby sightings in Ōhiwa, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne and Pāpāmoa.
• Wallabies are listed as a containment pest in the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan and are unwanted organisms in the Biosecurity Act, which means it is an offence to move or release them.
• The animals cause significant damage to native bush by feeding on native seedlings, ferns and grasses. They can also cause problems for forestry and farming by feeding on pine and eucalyptus seedlings and competing with stock for pasture.
• Once established in native bush, wallabies feed on seedlings, altering the species composition and ultimately depriving native birds and animals of food and shelter.
• The regional council controls wallabies in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Waikato Regional Council.
• Wallaby sightings can be reported by calling 0800 STOP PESTS.
• Wallabies are grey/brown in colour, with adult animals having a paler grey underbelly. Females weigh up to 5.5kg and males up to 7kg.

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