The Government announced 55 new biosecurity and conservation projects, funded through the Government’s $100 million regional support package.
The programme featured heavily in this announcement, particularly five new projects to control Wilding Pines in Northland and the Mackenzie Basin, funded through the Government’s $100 million regional support package. $2 million was allocated for projects managed by Environment Canterbury, and $1 million for projects managed by the Northland Regional Council.
These five projects will provide jobs for up to 80 people over three months. Locations were chosen to ensure workers can avoid unnecessary travel. We selected sites where work can begin quickly, matching control work needed to the skills of people available nearby.
Work in Northland will include controlling infestations surrounding the Awanui River, where trees are creating a flood-risk for Kaitāia.
Work along the Kaihū River near Dargaville will remove wilding pines and other problem trees. In Canterbury work will focus on removing wilding pine infestations in the Craigieburn Forest Park and the Mackenzie Basin, protecting both farmland and conservation land in the area.