17 September 2009
Media release
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to introduce the lace bug Gargaphia decoris to control the weed woolly nightshade.
Woolly nightshade is an invasive weed that is well established in the North Island.
The application to introduce the lace bug was made by Environment Bay of Plenty on behalf of a group of regional councils and the Department of Conservation and is the first biological control agent for woolly nightshade to be released in New Zealand.
Fourteen submissions were received on the application, and two submitters spoke at a hearing held in August.
ERMA New Zealand’s New Organisms General Manager, Dr Libby Harrison,
says the submission and hearing process provided valuable information for consideration.
The decision-making committee hearing the application considered all the potential effects of the lace bug on the environment, human health and safety, the economy, society and community and Maori culture and values.
“Overall, the committee decided that the benefits of the release of the lace bug outweighed any adverse effects,” Dr Harrison said.
The final decision document is available on the ERMA New Zealand website, at
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/find/WebResults.aspx?search=NOR08003&submit.x=33&submit.y=8
For further information, contact:
Sarah Kenward, Senior Communications Advisor, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 -4 -918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64- 4 -914 0433 • sarah.kenward@ermanz.govt.nz
Last Updated Sep 2009