As part of the No More Glyphosate NZ Council Herbicide Transparency Project, we asked councils across New Zealand about herbicide use in public spaces, the products being used, the policies governing their use, and whether those practices have been formally reviewed.
South Taranaki District Council provided information about the herbicides currently used by its Greenspace Contractor, application frequencies across different public spaces, and the operational framework governing herbicide use. The council also supplied a copy of its 2023 Horticultural Services Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Quick Summary
| Topic | Response |
|---|---|
| Glyphosate-based herbicides used? | Yes |
| Other herbicides used? | Yes |
| Alternative products used? | Yes |
| Product list supplied? | Yes |
| Herbicide policy supplied? | No standalone policy |
| SOP supplied? | Yes |
| Public notification mentioned? | No |
| Formal review identified? | SOP reviewed in 2023 |
| Supporting documents supplied? | Yes |
What We Learned
South Taranaki District Council advised that herbicide use in public spaces is managed through contractor operations, internal standard operating procedures, contract specifications, and compliance with national legislation and regional rules.
The council confirmed that glyphosate-based herbicides remain part of its weed-management programme and are used alongside a range of other herbicides and alternative products depending on the location and weed-control requirements.
Unlike some councils, South Taranaki advised that there is currently no standalone council-wide herbicide policy. Instead, herbicide use is governed through operational procedures, contract requirements, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
The council also supplied a 2023 Standard Operating Procedure document which outlines herbicide and pesticide management practices within parks and gardens operations.
Application Locations and Frequency
The council advised that herbicides are typically applied in the following locations:
Rural Roads
- Drain channels
- Culvert inlets
- Bridge approaches
- Marker pegs
Frequency: Approximately twice annually.
Urban Streets
- Kerb and channel areas
- Footpaths (where required)
Frequency: Approximately four times annually.
Sports Fields
- Broadleaf weed control
Frequency: Approximately twice annually.
Reserves and Cemeteries
- Around rails
- Bollards
- Hard edges
- Soft edges
Frequency: Approximately four to six times annually.
Products Identified
South Taranaki District Council supplied the following list of herbicides and weed-control products currently used by its Greenspace Contractor.
| Product | Active Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Glyphosate 510 | Glyphosate |
| Organosilicone | Surfactant / adjuvant |
| Trichloram Brushkiller | Triclopyr-based herbicide |
| Kenzon | Metsulfuron-methyl |
| Triumph 2G | Broadleaf herbicide |
| Bio Weed Blast | Fatty acid-based herbicide |
| Benzalkonium Chloride | Contact herbicide |
| Haloxyfop | Haloxyfop |
| Triclop 600 | Triclopyr |
| TAG 600WDG | Metsulfuron-methyl |
Note: Active ingredients have been identified from publicly available product information where they were not explicitly stated in the council’s response.
The council advised that product selection depends on the location, target vegetation, and operational requirements.
Policies, Standards and Oversight
South Taranaki District Council advised that herbicide use is governed through:
- Internal Standard Operating Procedures
- Community contract specifications
- Contractor compliance requirements
- Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO)
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Taranaki Regional Council requirements
The council noted that there is currently no single standalone council-wide herbicide policy.
Standard Operating Procedures
The council supplied a copy of its internal Horticultural Services Standard Operating Procedures (2023) in response to our LGOIMA request.
One notable statement within the document describes herbicide and pesticide use as a “necessary evil” for maintaining parks and gardens until more environmentally sound alternatives become available. The document also states that current products are relied upon to keep weed growth under control across maintained areas.
The SOP identifies several commonly used herbicides and plant-health products, including glyphosate, Grazon, Banvine, Gallant, Conquest, and various spraying oils and plant-health treatments.
We note that several products referenced in the 2023 SOP were not included in the council’s LGOIMA response. The reason for this difference was not explained and may reflect changes in products used over time, differences between contractor and council operations, or the specific scope of information requested.
The document also includes operational guidance, chemical inventory requirements, PPE requirements, and mapped spraying zones for specific parks.
Review History
The council advised that there is no single herbicide-use policy that receives formal review.
However, the internal Horticultural Services Standard Operating Procedure was reviewed in 2023 and remains part of the operational framework governing herbicide use.
Documents Provided
South Taranaki District Council supplied:
The document describes herbicide and pesticide use as a “necessary evil” until more environmentally sound alternatives become available and identifies a number of commonly used herbicides and plant health products. It also includes operational guidance, chemical inventory requirements, PPE requirements and mapped spraying zones for specific parks.
We note that several products referenced in the SOP were not included in the council’s LGOIMA response. The reason for this difference was not explained and may reflect changes in products used over time, differences between contractor and council operations, or the specific scope of information requested.
Observations
South Taranaki District Council provided a relatively detailed operational response.
While the council does not have a standalone herbicide policy, it does maintain documented procedures governing herbicide use and supplied supporting operational documentation.
One interesting aspect of the response is the language used within the council’s SOP. Rather than presenting herbicides as entirely unproblematic, the document openly describes their use as a “necessary evil” until more environmentally sound alternatives become available. This acknowledgement suggests an awareness of both the practical benefits and potential drawbacks associated with chemical weed control.
Based on the information supplied, South Taranaki District Council appears to use a wider range of herbicide and weed-control products than some councils that have provided responses to date.
Why This Matters
Councils manage a wide range of public spaces on behalf of their communities. Understanding what products are being used, where they are applied, and how decisions are made helps contribute to greater transparency around weed management in public areas.
The Council Transparency Project aims to build a nationwide public record of herbicide management practices across New Zealand local authorities so residents can better understand what is happening in their own communities.
Information Request Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| LGOIMA Reference | OIR-L26044 |
| Request Submitted | 5 May 2026 |
| Response Received | 3 June 2026 |
| Information Current | As supplied under LGOIMA on 3 June 2026 |
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