Department of Conservation (Waikato District) advises that agrichemical use on public (and some private) lands will be carried out by DOC staff and contractors between September 2026 and June 2027 for the control of various environmental pest plants.
A spray plan for the specific operational activities is available for viewing on request.
Spraying will occur during daylight hours and will use a combination of control methods including helicopters, drones, gun and hose, and knapsacks. Areas to be sprayed include the Whangamarino Wetland, Toreparu Wetland, Moanatuatua Peat Dome, Lakes Whangape, Rotongaro, Rotongaroiti, Hakanoa, Areare, Ruatuna, Rotomanuka, Rotopiko, Takupu Island (Waikato River), Kawhia and Aotea Harbours, the Ngaranui Track, and the Hakarimata Rail Trail.
If you wish to be notified closer to the date of application, please contact waikato@doc.govt.nz. People who require individual notification will be given one to five working days’ notice.
For more information, please contact Alaine Holdom, Waikato District Office, on 027 540 5937 or aholdom@doc.govt.nz.





