Wanted: People with an interest in pests

Environment Canterbury is looking for keen people to represent their communities on matters of animal and plant pest management.

Pest management liaison committee elections are being held throughout the region over the next two months, and Environment Canterbury is inviting nominations which close on Thursday, March 20.

The committees give local communities the opportunity for input on plant and animal pest management in their area. Their work includes recommendations to Environment Canterbury on how much money should be spent, and how much work needs to be done.

Councillor Eugenie Sage, chair of Environment Canterbury’s pest and biosecurity portfolio, says they’re an essential link between the Council and the community.

“It’s the pest liaison committees that help make our regional pest management strategies work Their involvement embraces pest plants and animals, both production and environmental,” Cr Sage says.

Pest liaison committees are elected every three years in: Kaikoura, Amuri, Hurunui (for nassella tussock), Waikari, Ashley, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn, Ashburton, South Canterbury and Kurow. While there is currently no committee for the Omarama and Mackenzie pest districts, Environment Canterbury welcomes nominations from people who are interested in forming a committee.

Cr Sage says meeting dates will be advertised shortly.

Nomination forms and terms of reference for the committees are available from Environment Canterbury’s Customer Services section, phone 0800 EC INFO (0800 32 4636) or on the ECan website, www.ecan.govt.nz  or www.ecan.govt.nz/Our+Environment/Pest+Plants+and+Animals/ .