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The Northland Regional Council, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and Pāmu Farms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a business case and options analysis for tackling the invasive pasture weed, Madagascar ragwort.
Council chair Geoff Crawford says the plant is already widespread in areas of Northland and warns that infestations are “rapidly increasing in both scale and density” with potentially devastating impacts on the pastoral sector.
The weed, which can smother 80 per cent of pasture, poses risks far beyond Northland. Climate modelling shows much of the South Island is also vulnerable.
Stock avoid grazing near the toxic plant, but Crawford notes its greatest threat lies in lost productivity, with Pāmu estimating losses of $300 per hectare annually.
Current herbicide treatments are costly and unsustainable, prompting calls for government-backed research and a national awareness campaign.
Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says the MOU highlights a shared commitment to practical, science-based solutions.
“Working alongside government and industry partners, we’re focused on protecting the land and supporting our farming communities.”
More information is available at www.nrc.govt.nz/MadagascarRagwort.
