Author
Kate McAlpine
kmcalpine@doc.govt.nz
Department of Conservation
Wellington
Coauthors
Dave Havell, Department of Conservation, Auckland, New Zealand
Lynne Huggins, Department of Conservation, Invercargill, New Zealand
Jordan Winiata, Department of Conservation, Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract
Biocontrol offers a targeted and sustainable approach to weed management, but its use on New Zealand’s public conservation land (PCL) remains limited. While EPA approval is required for all biocontrol in New Zealand, conservation land presents additional complexities. These include legislative requirements linked to land status, the need for iwi and stakeholder engagement, and internal planning and approvals processes. Releasing on reserves or national parks also involves ministerial approval and consultation with the New Zealand Conservation Authority. Navigating these steps can be challenging, particularly without streamlined guidance or dedicated capacity to progress applications. In contrast, regional councils operate under biosecurity mandates set out in regional pest management plans, which give them greater flexibility to undertake biocontrol within their local governance frameworks. Nevertheless, successful DOC-supported releases—such as tradescantia agents in Northland—show that with strong planning, communication, and collaboration, progress is possible. Ironically, biocontrol often faces more scrutiny than herbicide use, despite being more precise and environmentally enduring. This talk outlines the practical realities of using biocontrol on PCL and explores ways to support its safe and effective use as part of integrated weed management.
keywords
environmental weeds
conservation
Highlights
Releasing biocontrol agents on public conservation land is complex and limited
Regional councils may have greater flexibility
Collaboration enables success despite challenges