In Tairāwhiti we treasure our waterways and are committed to protecting them from freshwater pests, now and for future generations.
Please take take extra care when moving between rivers and lakes to avoid unknowingly spreading harmful plant and fish pests in and around our region.
Protect our waterways
It only takes a tiny piece of aquatic weed, one drop of water, or a single fish egg to spread pests to new places. These pests can choke our rivers and lakes, make the water dirty and push out our native plants and animals.
So please check, clean and dry your gear to stop the pests from spreading.
Aquatic pests
Once invasive freshwater pests such as didymo, hornwort, the freshwater invasive clam, lagarosiphon or lindavia get into a waterway, they spread fast and are very hard and expensive to remove. They can push out native species, change the way the water looks and feels and limit how we enjoy our waterways.
The best defence is prevention!
Which pests? Learn more about freshwater pests in the Pest Control Hub
'Check Clean Dry' steps
Every time you move between lakes, rivers and streams always 'Check Clean Dry' your boat, watercraft and any other equipment that touches the water.
Help stop freshwater pests from spreading by following these 3 steps every time you move between waterways:
Check - for what's visible
Before leaving a waterway:
✓Check boats, trailers and gear for weeds, mud and clams. Remove then and leave them at the river or lake edge, or put them in a rubbish bin.
✓ Drain all river or lake water from your boat and gear before leaving.
Remember: Even a piece of plant no larger than your thumbnail can spread a pest. Leave any material at the site or dispose of it in a rubbish bin.
Clean - for what's not visible
✓ Before leaving a waterway, blast your watercraft and gear with tap water onto grass, not into drains or stormwater systems.
✓ Treat gear made from absorbent materials such as clothing, life jackets, wetsuits, waders and booties, using one of the following treatments:
- Soak in 10% dishwashing detergent for 10 minutes.
- Soak in top tap water (50oC to 55oC) for at least 5 minutes.
- Freeze till solid (overnight).
See MPI's website for the full list of cleaning treatments.
Dry - to be sure
✓ Gear: allow gear to dry to the touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for 2 days (48 hours) before using it again.
✓ Watercraft: dry any areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, then leave the craft to dry for 2 days (48 hours).
