Didymo News

The spread of Didymo through the South Island increases the chance of a North Island incursion and puts yet more pressure on our operations. The current priorities are:

• Implementing more effective boarder control. We are currently working with BNZ to extend the coverage at the Cook Strait Ferry. It is also clear that a fresh approach is required to get the message to travellers using our domestic airports
• Developing a monitoring programme to maintain regular surveillance at critical North Island sites
• Ensuring that we are organised and prepared should an incursion occur. We are preparing a Central North Island response plan which we will integrate with the BNZ response plan when details are made available. BNZ are to hold simulations with partners in April to test the effectiveness of these measures.