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.
Invercargill City Council provided a detailed written response outlining the herbicide products currently used across council-managed public spaces, the locations where they may be applied, and the factors that influence how often they are used. The response also described the operational framework governing herbicide application, the training requirements for staff, and the approach taken in high-use public areas.
The council also described its public notification practices, identified several non-chemical weed management measures currently being used, and confirmed that no formal internal or independent review of herbicide use has been undertaken in recent years.
Quick Summary
| Topic | Response |
|---|---|
| Glyphosate-based herbicides used? | Yes |
| Other herbicides used? | Yes |
| Alternative weed management used? | Yes |
| Product list supplied? | Yes |
| Herbicide policy supplied? | No |
| SOP supplied? | No |
| Application locations identified? | Yes |
| Application frequency explained? | Yes |
| Public notification mentioned? | Yes |
| Chemically sensitive register? | Not mentioned |
| Formal review identified? | No |
| Supporting documents supplied? | No |
What We Learned
Invercargill City Council advised that it currently uses a range of herbicide products for weed and pest plant management across parks, reserves, and sports fields. Rather than applying products on a fixed schedule, application frequency depends on factors including the manufacturer’s recommendations, seasonal weed growth, weather conditions, and the intended use of each product.
The council stated that herbicide use is guided by product manufacturer recommendations, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and industry best practice. Staff involved in chemical application hold GROWSAFE certification and receive ongoing training and education in safe chemical use.
The response also outlined several non-chemical weed management methods currently being used or trialled, including weed matting, wood-chip mulch, and biological control of Chilean Flame Creeper.
Products Identified
| Product | Type / Active Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Agritone 750 | Herbicide – MCPA |
| Associate 750 WDG | Herbicide – Metsulfuron-methyl |
| Gallant Ultra | Herbicide – Haloxyfop-P-methyl |
| Bow and Arrow | Herbicide – MCPA, clopyralid and diflufenican |
| Banvine | Herbicide – Dicamba |
| Polaris 450 | Herbicide – Glyphosate |
| Terb 500 | Herbicide – Terbuthylazine |
| Tordon Brushkiller XT | Herbicide – Triclopyr and picloram |
| Touchdown IQ | Herbicide – Glyphosate |
| Versatill | Herbicide – Clopyralid |
| Victory Gold | Herbicide – Picloram and triclopyr |
| Vigilant | Herbicide gel – Picloram |
| Cut ‘n’ Paste Glyphosate Gel | Herbicide – Glyphosate gel |
Note: Active ingredients have been identified from publicly available product information where they were not explicitly stated in the council’s response.
Application Locations and Frequency
The council advised that herbicides may be used across parks, reserves and sports fields where weed or pest plant control is required.
Rather than using a fixed spraying schedule, the frequency of application depends on:
- manufacturer specifications
- seasonal growth patterns
- weather conditions
- intended use of the product.
Policies and Guidance
The council advised that herbicide use is undertaken in accordance with:
- product manufacturer recommendations
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- industry best practice.
Council also stated that staff undertaking chemical application hold GROWSAFE certification and receive ongoing training and education in safe chemical use.
For playgrounds and other heavily used public spaces, the council advised that additional care is taken by considering:
- public usage patterns
- avoiding peak-use periods
- weather conditions before and after application
- use of appropriate signage.
The council did not supply a standalone herbicide policy or Standard Operating Procedure.
Public Notification and Chemically Sensitive Residents
The council advised that temporary signage is displayed while spraying is taking place.
It further stated that no additional formal public notification procedures are currently in place beyond on-site signage.
The response did not mention a chemically sensitive residents register.
Review History
Invercargill City Council confirmed that no formal internal or independent review of herbicide use has been undertaken in recent years.
The council advised, however, that officers routinely monitor available products and practices to assess their effectiveness, suitability for purpose, and market competitiveness, although this does not form part of a formal review programme.
Observations
Invercargill City Council provided a detailed written response addressing each of the main areas covered by the LGOIMA request, although no supporting documentation was supplied.
The council identified 13 herbicide and weed control products, representing one of the broader product inventories reported through the Council Transparency Project to date.
Although the council confirmed that herbicide practices are guided by Safety Data Sheets, manufacturer recommendations, and industry best practice, it did not identify a standalone herbicide policy or operational procedure governing herbicide use.
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 | Not stated |
| Request Submitted | 4 May 2026 |
| Response Received | 19 May 2026 |
| Information Current | As supplied under LGOIMA on 19 May 2026 |
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