increase font size
Water hyacinth. Image: Biosecurity New Zealand.
An invasive weed that can reduce water quality and block irrigation systems has been discovered in the Waikato River.
A joint Biosecurity New Zealand and Waikato Regional Council work programme is now underway to remove the small cluster of the pest water hyacinth in the river near Huntly.
The agencies are working together with local iwi to ensure any water hyacinth present is located and safely removed. The team will then coordinate ongoing checks to make sure it hasn't come back.
Biosecurity New Zealand's manager of pest management, John Sanson, says water hyacinth is a rapidly growing water weed that if left, can form dense mats that reduce water quality, crowd out native water plants and animals, block irrigation systems and alter ecosystems.
"In this instance, we've found just 2 individual plants in the slow waters at the edges of the river and 1 plant in a cluster of willows further out into the stream.
"The plants have clearly come from a container of water hyacinth being kept at a private property in Huntly backing onto the river. This container was close to a drain next to the river bank and we believe that's how the plants entered the waterway."
Sanson says all known plants have been removed from the water and inspections have found no further sign of the weed.
However, as a precaution, a more comprehensive survey is taking place today, using a boat supplied by the council harbour master.
It is illegal to sell, propagate or distribute water hyacinth. Those who may have seen the pest can call Biosecurity New Zealand’s pests and diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
Waikato is home to a diverse range of lakes, and experts say they urgently need better management and restoration.
OPINION: As decisions around freshwater rules edge closer, the message from dairy farmers is clear.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG’s 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
Many farmers around the country are taking advantage of the high dairy payout to get maximum production out of their cows.
In 2015, the signing of a joint venture between St Peter's School, Cambridge, and Lincoln University saw the start of an exciting new chapter for Owl Farm as the first demonstration dairy farm in the North Island. Ten years on, the joint venture is still going strong.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk is on track to record average ewe production of 500 litres by 2030, says outgoing chief executive Greg Hamill.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.
Changes to New Zealand’s postal service has left rural communities disappointed.
Alliance is urging its farmer-shareholders to have their say on the proposed $250 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats Group.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…
