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Every year Waikato Regional Council carries out targeted spray operations to control invasive pest plants growing in our rivers, lakes and wetlands.

This work is important to protect the environment – and in particular agricultural production – from the impacts of these pest plants, as well as to improve biodiversity.

Resource consent 124871

Waikato Regional Council holds a resource consent (124871) to carry out this work. The consent authorises:

  • the application of agrichemicals to air where they may enter water and the coastal marine area within the Waikato region, and
  • the use of specific herbicides for controlling pest plants that cannot generally be controlled with glyphosate.

Public notice - spraying operations

Waikato Regional Council advises that under Resource Consent 124871 spraying of pest plants growing in aquatic and semi-aquatic locations will continue over the next three months.

You can read the public notice below. For specific details of when, where and what we are spraying, please check the scheduled operations information on this webpage.

Where and when are we spraying?

Image - example of spraying locations on the operational areas mapWhere are we spraying?

You can access and view our map of operational areas using the link above.

  • Operational areas are shown on the map with purple shading. 
  • Use the Search bar in the top left-hand corner to search for your address and see where spraying is happening in relation to your property.

When are we spraying?

Application may occur at any time during daylight hours, providing weather and tide conditions are suitable. 

As these pest plants are difficult to control, two to three follow-up applications may occur over the next 12 months. It is unlikely that spraying will occur during duck shooting season. There will be no spraying on public holidays.

For more details, see the list of scheduled spraying operations on this page.

Image - Plant pest spraying ops - example of notification registrationRegister for notifications

We can notify you by email or text message of specific times when spraying is happening near your property.

  • First, use the map (link above) to find the operational area you want to be notified for.
  • Click on the area and then click "Sign up for notifications". This will direct you to an online form to register for notification. Easy!

What we use and control

Scheduled herbicide control operations

Below is a list of scheduled spraying operations. This list is updated regularly, so please check this page for updates.

Date Location Control type Herbicide Target pest plants Contact

26 November - 17 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Ohinemuri River from Baxter Road, Waihi to Paeroa Township

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447

26 November - 10 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Waihou River from Hikutaia Cut to Kopu - True left

Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Spartina, Manchurian wild rice

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447

25 November - 16 December 2024 (weather permitting) 

Whangamaire Stream

Knapsack, mistblower

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Reuben Libline on 021 972 962 

28 November - 20 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Tuhikaramea Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 027 330 8016

19 November 2024 – 10 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River, Ngaruawahia to Whangape Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099


14 November 2024 - 12 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Pooles Road Drain and Gordon Ave Wetland and pond - Te Aroha

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Lincoln Street drain to Kahikatea Road drain

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Mangakotukutukutu Stream, Peacockes

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Sandford Gully, Glenview

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Japanese knotweed

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Somerton Ponds and Kirikiriroa Stream - Thomas Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Gordonton-Puketaha Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 11 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Stream Wairere Drive, Logan Court, Milbrook Place

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

Annemarie Robb on 0212849734

11 November 2024 – 2 December 2024 (weather permitting)

Kawhia Harbour, Aotea Harbour

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

11 November 2024 – 30 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Te Onetea Stream

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

11 November 2024 – 29 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Ruapuke Stream Mouth, Toreparu Stream, Matauwai Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

7 November 2024 – 28 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Pukerimu Lane Ponds 

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016


29 October – 25 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Small pond on dairy farm Matai Rd Matamata

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447


29 October – 18 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Small stream from Kereone Road to Cussen Road Morrinsville

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447


29 October – 18 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Maungahaumia Stream - Matuku Rd to Morrinsville Tahuna Rd Morrinsville

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 027 248 6447


25 October 2024 – 15 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Paratawa Stream - Old Mountain Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 027 330 8016

19 October 2024 – 9 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River. Horotiu to Tuakau

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

15 October – 5 November 2024 (weather permitting)

Pond and stream at Pirongia Road, Pond at Raynes Road, Te Puroa Road, Ngaruawahia

Knapsack

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

7 October 2024 – 28 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Waikato River - Port Waikato to Tauranganui

Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021459206

7 October 2024 – 28 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Komakorau Stream near Golf course

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Reuben Libline on 021972962

26 September 2024 - 17 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River. Horotiu to Mercer. Te Onetea Stream

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

Philip Mabin on 021502099

18 September – 9 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Pirongia Road, Old Mountain Road, Te Puroa Road, Pukerimu Lane, Clearway Rise, Tuhikaramea Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

16 September 2024 – 7 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Huntly pools by Tainui Bridge

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

Reuben Libline on 021972962

10 September 2024 – 1 October 2024 (weather permitting)

Murphy Lane Wetland Taupiri

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Reuben Libline on 021972962

4 September 2024 - 24 September 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River. Horotiu to Mercer. Te Onetea Stream

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

14 August – 4 September 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River. Horotiu to Mercer. Te Onetea Stream

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

1 July  – 21 July 2024 (weather permitting)

Waikato River, Huntly to Whangape Stream, Te Onetea Stream

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

1 July  – 21 July 2024 (weather permitting)

Waikato River, Horotiu to Huntly

Knapsack, Mist-blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

21 June – 5 July 2024 (weather permitting)

Pond at Cambridge golf course

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Imazapyr

Water poppy

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

10 June – 30 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River, Huntly to Mercer

Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

7 June – 28 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Te Otamanui Lagoon

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Senegal tea

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

3 June – 24 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Te Poi private property small stream off Tauranga Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Imazapyr

Water poppy

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

31 May – 25 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Mangaonua Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

29 May – 12 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Waihi Campground pond

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

28 May – 11 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Horahora wetlands on private property

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

28 May – 11 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Private property in Puriri - small gully stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

27 May – 17 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Tauhua Stream and Turiakina Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

27 May – 17 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Pond at Cambridge golf course

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Imazapyr

Water poppy

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

20 May – 3 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Pond on private property Tauranga Road Te Poi

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

20 May – 3 June 2024 (weather permitting)

Waihi Township Small creeks and Drains

Knapsack

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

13 May – 27 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Private property in Puriri - small gully stream

Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

13 May – 27 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Horahora Wetlands on private property

Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

8 May – 30 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Turiakina Stream Mouth, Marokopa and Tauhua Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

6 May – 24 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Tainui Street & Rerenga Street Drain, Mokau and Pond at Redwood Park, Otorohanga

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Imazapyr

Rough Horsetail, Field Horsetail

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

30 April – 21 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Hall Road Wetland

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

30 April – 21 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Stream near Wairere Drive, Logan Court, Milbrook Place

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

30 April – 30 April 2024 (weather permitting)

Lincoln Street Drain to Kahikatea Road Drain

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

30 April – 30 April 2024 (weather permitting)

Chartwall Gully

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

29 April – 20 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Sommerton Ponds and Kirikiriroa Stream

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

29 April – 29 April 2024 (weather permitting)

Stream - corner Gordonton-Puketaha Road

Knapsack, Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Hamish Hodgson on 021569206

29 April 2024 - 17 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Waikato River and Mystery Creek

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

29 April 2024 - 17 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Aotea Harbor - Aotea Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

29 April 2024 - 17 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Kawhia Harbor - Hikuparea Road

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

29 April 2024 - 18 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Te Otamanui Lagoon - Te Kowhai South

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Senegal tea

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

22 April – 6 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Waimakariri River between SH5 and Waihou River confluence

Knapsack

Haloxyfop

African Feather Grass

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

21 April – 3 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Waihou River Turua, from Hikutaia Cut to Kopu (True Right)

Gun and hose

Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

Heidi Pene on 0272486447

22 April 2024 - 30 April 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Ohinemuri River

Mist blower

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Philip Mabin on 021502099

17 April 2024 - 10 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Tuhikaramea Stream

Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower

Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Yellow flag iris

Frances McKinnon on 0273308016

16 April 2024 - 7 May 2024 (weather permitting)

Port Waikato

Knapsack, Gun and hose

Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

Reuben Libline on 021972962

Past herbicide spraying operations

You can see details below of herbicide spraying operations that have been carried out over the past year.  If you would like details of earlier spraying operations, please contact us.

Date Location Control type Herbicide Target pest plants
16 April - 6 May 2024 (weather permitting) Huntly to Whangape Stream Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

11 April - 3 May 2024 (weather permitting) Whangaipeteki Stream at Hill Road Knapsack, Gun & hose Metsulfuron

Climbing Spindleberry

11 April - 3 May 2024 (weather permitting) Pond at Clark Lane Knapsack, Gun & hose Metsulfuron, Imaxapyr, Glyphosate

Sagittaria

11 April - 3 May 2024 (weather permitting) Cambridge golf course pond Knapsack, Gun & hose Metsulfuron, Imaxapyr, Glyphosate

Water poppy, Sagittaria

11 April - 3 May 2024 (weather permitting) Ruapuke Stream, Toreparu Stream, Taharoa Beach, TM Station Drains, Tauhua Stream, Turiakina Stream Knapsack, Mist blower, Gun and hose Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

11 April - 24 April 2024 (weather permitting) Horahora of farm wetlands, Maungatautari Road Gun & hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice

8 April - 30 April 2024 (weather permitting) Waikato River - Port Waikato to Tuaranginui Knapsack, Gun & hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Water poppy

7 April - 22 April 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River from Hikutaia cut to Kopu Bridge - True right Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

1 April - 15 April 2024 (weather permitting) Lake Rotokaeo Knapsack, Gun & hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

1 April - 16 April 2024 (weather permitting) Otaua Road Drains & Crouch Road Drains Gun and hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

25 March - 15 April 2024 (weather permitting) Komakorau stream Knapsack, Gun and hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

25 March - 16 April 2024 (weather permitting) Mangaonua Stream Knapsack, Mist blower, Gun and hose Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

25 March - 15 April 2024 (weather permitting) Waikato River, Huntly to Ohinewai Gun and hose, Mist-blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

21 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Tauranga hi to Tuakau Bridge Knapsack, Gun & hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

21 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Port Waikato to Tuaranginui Knapsack, Gun & hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

18 March – 15 April 2024 (weather permitting) Waikato River - Mercer to Hampton Downs Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

18 March – 8 April 2024 (weather permitting) Aotea Harbour & Kawhia Harbour Knapsack, Mist blower, Gun and hose Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

18 March – 8 April 2024 (weather permitting) Waikato River - Hampton Downs to Whangape Stream Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

18 March – 8 April 2024 (weather permitting) 1589 SH25 Tairua-Whitianga Highway Knapsack, Gun and hose Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Water poppy

7 March - 28 March 2024 (weather permitting) Whangamarino Wetland and River Helicopter Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

7 March - 21 March 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River from Hikutaia Cut to Kopu - True left Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

4 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Hall Road Wetland Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

4 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Sandford Gully, Glenview Knapsack Imazapyr

Japanese knotweed

4 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Lake Rotokaeo Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Mexican water lily

4 March - 31 March 2024 (weather permitting) Pond and Stream - Pukekawa Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Mexican water lily

1 March - 22 March 2024 (weather permitting) Huntly Ponds Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

29 February – 15 March 2024 (weather permitting) Pond and Stream - Pukekawa Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

23 February – 15 March 2024 (weather permitting) Mangakaware Stream and Wetland Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

22 February – 13 March 2024 (weather permitting) Whangape Stream to Tuakau Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

 

Alligator weed

19 February – 11 March 2024 (weather permitting) Awaroa River Knapsack Metsulfuron

Senegal tea

19 February – 15 March 2024 (weather permitting) Te Mata Stream and Opotoru River Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

 

Yellow flag iris

16 February - 8 March 2024 (weather permitting) Rutherford Road Drains, Mangawara Knapsack, Gun and hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

16 February - 8 March 2024 (weather permitting) Matahuru Stream Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

13 February - 23 February 2024 (weather permitting) Taharoa Beach and TM Station Drains Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron, Glyphosate

Alligator weed

7 February – 28 February 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River True left, Hikutaia Cut to Abbatoir Road Turua Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

7 February – 28 February 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River True right Hikutaia Cut to Kopu Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

31 January – 23 February 2024 (weather permitting) Te Otamanui Lagoon Helicopter, Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron, Triclopyr, Gylphosate

Alligator weed

30 January – 20 February 2024 (weather permitting) Lincoln Street Drain to Kahikatea Road Drain Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January – 20 February 2024 (weather permitting) Stream near Wairere Drive, Logan Court, Milbrook Place Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January – 20 February 2024 (weather permitting) Stream corner Gordonton-Puketaha Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January – 20 February 2024 (weather permitting) Somerton Ponds and Kirikiriroa Stream - Thomas Road Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January - 19 February 2024 (weather permitting)

Lower Waikato River – Huntly to Tuakau, including Te Onetea Stream and Whangape Stream

Gun and hose, Mist blower, knapsack Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January - 16 February 2024 (weather permitting) Waimakariri and Waihou River from SH 5 to Okoroire Hotel Knapsack Haloxyfop

African feather grass

30 January - 13 February 2024 (weather permitting) Ruahorehore Stream Knapsack Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

30 January - 6 February 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River True left from Hikutaia Cut to Kopu  Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

22 January – 12 February 2024 (weather permitting) Ngaawapurua Rapids to Broadlands Knapsack, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Yellow flag iris

17 January – 14 February 2024 (weather permitting) Lake Whangape and Whangape Stream Helicopter Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

15 January - 5 February 2024 (weather permitting) Huriwai River Knapsack, Gun and hose Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

22 January – 12 February 2024 (weather permitting) Aotea Harbour and Kawhia Harbour Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron, Gylphosate

Alligator weed

22 January – 12 February 2024 (weather permitting) Taharoa Beach, TM Station Drains, Tauhua Stream, Turiakina Stream and Tareparu Stream Knapsack, Gun and hose Metsulfuron, Gylphosate

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

9 January - 23 January 2024 (weather permitting) Waihou River True left from Hikutaia Cut to Kopu  Gun and hose Haloxyfop

Manchurian wild rice, Spartina

8 January - 29 January 2024 (weather permitting) Whangamarino Wetland and Maramarua River, Kimihia Wetland Helicopter Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris

8 January - 31 January 2024 (weather permitting) Te Otamanui Lagoon Helicopter, Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron, Gylphosate

Alligator weed

8 January - 29 January 2024 (weather permitting) Port Waikato to Tauranganui and Tauranganui to Tuakau Bridge Helicopter, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed

8 January - 28 January 2024 (weather permitting) Lower Waikato River, Ngaruawahia to Tuakau, including Lake Whangape and Whangape Stream Knapsack, Gun and hose, Mist blower Metsulfuron

Alligator weed, Yellow flag iris