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Our 2025/2026 Hunt Season has now ended. We're working on new projects for the upcoming summer season so check back in later this year to find out more.
Hunt down these pests
Asian Paddle Crab
The Asian Paddle Crab is a swimming crab native to South East Asia. It is normally found in the waters of Japan, Korea and Malaysia. It has the potential to compete with native crabs for their habitat and food.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an agricultural, horticultural, and social pest. It's native to Asia and has spread through North America and Europe. It feeds on plant species and could decimate agricultural industries.
Status in NZ:
NOT PRESENT
Exotic Caulerpa
A type of seaweed that was discovered at Aotea Great Barrier Island in 2021. These seaweeds are easy to spot because they're bright green and have blades that look like little oars.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Fall Armyworm
The Fall Armyworm is a pesky moth (yes, not a worm at all!) that can cause a lot of trouble for farmers because its young, called larvae or caterpillars, love to eat crops. The larvae does the most damage to our crops.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Invasive Freshwater Clams
Freshwater Clams are now in New Zealand and causing trouble. First spotted in the Waikato River in May 2023, they live in big piles on the riverbed.They can take all the food out of the water and crowd out native shellfish.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Myrtle Rust
Myrtle Rust, a troublesome fungal disease that affects myrtle plants in New Zealand like pōhutukawa and rātā, mānuka and kānuka, ramarama and swamp maire, and exotic plants like feijoa has spread across the North Island and the top of the South Island.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
PA pathogen - the threat to Kauri
Kauri are a taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa New Zealand. They are threatened by a pathogen called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA for short) which lives in soil and infects Kauri trees through their roots.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Northern Pacific Seastar
The Northern Pacific Seastar is a
creature native to the waters of the Northwestern Pacific Ocean,
including Japan, Russia, North China,
and Korea.
Status in NZ:
NOT PRESENT IN NZ
Mediterranean Fanworm
The Mediterranean fanworm is an invasive marine species that forms dense colonies on underwater surfaces. It competes with native marine life for food and space and often spreads via boat hulls and marine equipment.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN SOME PARTS OF NZ
Rooks
Rooks are large black birds from the crow family, introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s. They're now considered pests for damaging crops and pasture, especially in the North Island.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN NZ
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly is a colourful but destructive insect native to Asia. It feeds on the sap of trees and plants, weakening them and making them vulnerable to disease.
Status in NZ:
NOT PRESENT IN NZ
Wallabies
Wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, but they've also been introduced to New Zealand. In some regions, they're considered pests because they damage native forests and compete with livestock for pasture.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN NZ
Woolly Nightshade
Woolly nightshade is a fast-growing, invasive shrub with large, furry leaves and purple flowers. Originally from South America, it’s now a serious pest in New Zealand. It spreads quickly, outcompetes native plants, and can be toxic to humans and animals.
Status in NZ:
PRESENT IN NZ