Marlborough District Council has released its Biosecurity Operational Plan Report 2024–2025, showcasing a year of action, strategic partnerships and community engagement in the fight against invasive species.

Council has achieved 98 per cent of its annual targets.

Over the past year, 35 Pest Management Plan programmes were completed across more than 1,000 properties, ranging from high country stations to urban backyards and coastal zones.

The $1.8 million National Wilding Conifer Program was successfully delivered with programme partners across strategic locations in the region. Marine biosecurity efforts were equally robust, with 2,230 vessel inspections for Mediterranean fanworm yielding high compliance and strong cooperation and engagement.

In a landmark achievement, two releases of Chilean needle grass rust were made in the Blind River area.

Council’s Biosecurity Manager Liam Falconer said after nearly three decades of work, the release of Chilean needle grass rust marked a pivotal step towards managing this challenging invasive species.

“I know the community is really pleased to have the rust finally introduced. It’s been about 30 years of work to reach this point and finally delivering it is a significant milestone. We hope it will have an impact in the coming years.

“We continue to investigate six emerging pest species in the region and monitor four new invasive threats.”

Partnerships with Biosecurity New Zealand, Department of Conservation and local organisations such as Marlborough Marinas and others have been crucial. Importantly, 77 per cent of the operational budget for 2025/2026 has been secured through partner funding.

Community engagement remains a priority, with educational materials like the “Emerging Threats” booklet helping raise awareness.

To read the report, go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/environment/biosecurity/regional-pest-management-plan/rpmp-operational-plan-reports

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