Quick action taken on lakeweed

18 March 2003

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is moving quickly to control the outbreak of lagarosiphon weed in Lake Benmore.

Today, LINZ will lodge a resource consent with Environment Canterbury (ECAN) to use the product Aquagel on the weed (Aquagel contains the herbicide diquat as the active ingredient) says Paul Jackson, LINZ Manager, Crown Property.

"We are already talking to affected parties to get their agreement on the control of this outbreak. Environment Canterbury knows our application is coming and has agreed go give it priority consideration. Once we gain the resource consent from ECAN and the weather conditions are right, we can go ahead and treat the weed."

The application of Aquagel needs clear, still conditions. Given the right weather, LINZ's weed control programme could take place as early as the end of next week.

Paul Jackson says lagarosiphon weed is common throughout New Zealand. Lake Benmore has so far been free of the weed but now that it has been found, quick action is required.

"We give it our highest priority and we treat it very seriously."

 Using Aquagel is the best method to control the weed. The compound has been used safely in New Zealand for more than 20 years in North Island and South Island lakes, says Paul Jackson.

"We've achieved excellent results in Lake Rotorua to control lagarosiphon using Aquagel. Eastern Region Fish and Game support its use there.

Aquagel has no effect on the water, fish or people. It is absorbed by the weed and leaves no residue in the lake. It is an efficient and effective control method."

LINZ administers a number of lakes in the North and South Islands. Paul Jackson says the public have an important role to play in bringing issues to LINZ's attention.

"LINZ is actively managing the lakes with our contractors. Other agencies such as Fish and Game and regional councils are also involved. If the public notice anything, particularly weed in areas where it has not previously been, they need to tell us. The lakes cover huge areas and any information on new sites can be acted upon quickly."

LINZ has dealt with a previous outbreak of lagarosiphon upstream of Lake Benmore. It was a small and isolated outbreak and the weed was successfully controlled.

For further information please contact:

Paul Jackson
Manager, Crown Property
Land Information New Zealand  
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: 04 460 0158
FAX: 04 460 0590
EMAIL: pjackson@linz.govt.nz

LINZ media liaison:

Michael Mead 
Senior Communications Adviser       
Land Information New Zealand   
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: (04) 498 3516
FAX: (04) 472 1864
EMAIL: mmead@linz.govt.nz