There has been an overall reduction in the total number of programmes in the RPMP, particularly where pests are the responsibility of another agency, such as rainbow lorikeets, or where rules for widespread pests are ineffective or not needed.
The reduction in programmes is mainly because of changes in how pest programmes are described and categorised, according to national policy direction. The change in definition of a site-led programme, for instance, means the council has had to either re-categorise or remove existing site-led programmes because they are no longer achievable within planned funding for pest management.
The invasion curve, a tool for understanding invasive species management, was used to ensure that available resources are mostly targeted at low incidence/high impact pests to maximise biosecurity outcomes.
Waikato Regional Council chairman Russ Rimmington said it was financially impossible to include every pest in the proposed RPMP, particularly where they had become so widespread, but the Biosecurity Strategic Plan supported helping landowners and community groups who may wish to eradicate certain species. Funding for such projects was also available through the Natural Heritage Partnership Programme.
"We all have a role to play in preventing pests and diseases from getting in the country and spreading around, and that takes more than regulatory intervention. The Biosecurity Strategic Plan recognises this.
"It's about caring for our place and empowering our people – not just throwing the rulebook at them."