The National Aerial Operations Plan for 2026 has opened for consultation
OSPRI, which manages the TBfree programme, is seeking specific feedback from people and organisations who may be affected by the proposed aerial disease control operations, including landowners and land users, farmers, hunters, and people involved in outdoor recreation.
“The plan outlines the proposed aerial 1080 pest control operations in support of the National Pest Management Plan for 2026 and our goal of eradicating bovine TB from New Zealand by 2055.” - The team at OSPRI
Full details online can be found here, where you’ll also find the National Aerial Operations Plan 2026 and online feedback form. We encourage all members and branches that may have hunting areas affected to make a submission.
NZDA will be making a comprehensive submission on behalf of members.
View all information from OSPRI here.
Who does this affect?
North Island aerial operations 2026
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Timahanga, Hawke’s Bay Region
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Kapakapanui, Wellington Region
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Southern Remutaka, Wellington Region
South Island aerial operations 2026
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There are currently no planned aerial operations in the South Island for the 2026 calendar year. “This is largely due to the timing of programme rather than a move away from this technique.”
“We invite feedback on our 2025 national plan for TBfree pest control operations. We are seeking feedback specifically on the nature, boundaries and timing of proposed operations. We are not seeking feedback on wider issues such as the purposes of the TBfree programme or the use of 1080 for pest control in New Zealand.”
More information can be found within the National Aerial Operations Plan 2026 linked here.
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