News

Spur Valerian control on Banks Peninsula

23 September 2024

The Christchurch City Council wishes to advise residents on Banks Peninsula that aerial spraying of spur valerian will take place on the coastal cliffs between Pigeon Bay and Le Bons Bay, and rock outcrops around Ohinetahi, Orongomai and Rapaki.

Spur valerian produces lots of wind spread seeds and can quickly form dense strands shading out other plants. It is a serious threat to rare native plants which are found on rocky outcrops and cliffs around Banks Peninsula, on the Port Hills and also some inland areas.

Due to the inaccessible location of these weed species on the coastal cliffs and rock outcrops, the spraying will be carried out by helicopter, with adjacent landowner permission. Control of this species meets objectives in the Christchurch City Council’s District Plan to protect areas of ecological significance.

The spray operation will be undertaken by Southern Helilift, a qualified aerial agrichemical applicator, according to all aviation, agrichemical and Environment Canterbury Air Quality regulations. The chemical to be applied is Grazon at a rate of 5L/ha.

Aerial spraying is a permitted activity in the Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan and the Canterbury Air Regional Plan. Spraying in appropriate weather conditions will mitigate effects in the coastal marine area.

Spraying dates and sites Spring 2024

Spraying is taking place between Tuesday 1st October and Friday 13th December 2024 when the weather is suitable.

Site specific notice of spraying activities will be published on this page the day before the spraying operation. Please note only one day's notice can be given as spray operations are weather dependent.