Link & Resource Library: Get to know your pests!
PA pathogen - the threat to Kauri
Kauri are a taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa New Zealand. They are threatened by a pathogen called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA for short) which lives in soil and infects Kauri trees through their roots.
Exotic caulerpa
A type of seaweed that was discovered at Aotea Great Barrier Island in 2021. These seaweeds are easy to spot because they're bright green and have blades that look like little oars.
Mediterranean fanworm
The Mediterranean fanworm is an invasive marine species that forms dense colonies on underwater surfaces. It competes with native marine life for food and space and often spreads via boat hulls and marine equipment.
Interested in keeping a fieldbook to hand to identify common pests and diseases?
Member organisation Scion has released a FREE downloadable fieldbook!
Born out of the Te Rātā Whakamaru programme, this booklet provides a broad guide to recognising insect pests and diseases you might encounter on your whenua. It's also a valuable resource for distinguishing common issues from potentially harmful new diseases like myrtle rust and kauri dieback.
Eager to sharpen your pest identification skills or to simply learn more about protecting our native plants?
Download the free booklet here!
Asian paddle crab
The Asian Paddle Crab is a swimming crab native to South East Asia. It is normally found in the waters of Japan, Korea and Malaysia. It has the potential to compete with native crabs for their habitat and food.
Woolly nightshade
Woolly nightshade is a fast-growing, invasive shrub with large, furry leaves and purple flowers. Originally from South America, it’s now a serious pest in New Zealand. It spreads quickly, outcompetes native plants, and can be toxic to humans and animals.
Brown marmorated stink bug
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an agricultural, horticultural, and social pest. It's native to Asia and has spread through North America and Europe. It feeds on plant species and could decimate agricultural industries.
Exotic freshwater clams
Freshwater Clams are now in New Zealand and causing trouble. First spotted in the Waikato River in May 2023, they live in big piles on the riverbed.They can take all the food out of the water and crowd out native shellfish.
Myrtle rust
Myrtle Rust, a troublesome fungal disease that affects myrtle plants in New Zealand like pōhutukawa and rātā, mānuka and kānuka, ramarama and swamp maire, and exotic plants like feijoa has spread across the North Island and the top of the South Island. Click the link below to access a guide to identifying Myrtle rust.
Wallabies
Wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia, but they've also been introduced to New Zealand. In some regions, they're considered pests because they damage native forests and compete with livestock for pasture.