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 these practices have been reviewed in recent years.
South Wairarapa District Council provided information about the herbicides currently used, where they are applied, application frequencies, the policies governing their use, and a copy of the council’s Application of Herbicides Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Quick Summary
| Topic | Response |
|---|---|
| Glyphosate-based herbicides used? | Yes |
| Other herbicides used? | Yes |
| Product list supplied? | Yes |
| Herbicide policy referenced? | Yes |
| Application locations identified? | Yes |
| Application frequency explained? | Yes |
| Public notification mentioned? | Yes |
| Opt-out option mentioned? | Opt-out option mentioned? | Referenced in SOP |
| Last review identified? | Yes (June 2022 SOP) |
| Supporting documents supplied? | Yes |
What We Learned
South Wairarapa District Council advised that glyphosate remains its primary herbicide for public-space weed control, particularly for chemical edge control in street environments.
The council also identified Conquest for sports field broadleaf weed management and Kiwicare Weed Weapon Long Term Concentrate for selective use on hard edges and non-planted areas where there is no risk to nearby vegetation.
The response included a detailed Standard Operating Procedure governing herbicide use. The SOP outlines operator training requirements, application methods, public safety measures, environmental protections, record keeping, signage requirements, and restrictions on spraying near schools and other high-pedestrian-use locations.
The council also confirmed that its current herbicide-use approach is under review as part of the transition to a new Open Space Contract scheduled to commence in November 2026.
Where Herbicides Are Used
According to the council, herbicides are applied across a range of public spaces, including:
- Street environments such as kerb lines and hard edges
- Parks and reserves
- Sports fields
- Hard edges and non-planted areas
Application frequency varies depending on location and operational requirements.
Street-edge spraying is typically undertaken every two months using glyphosate for edge control. Parks and reserves are inspected monthly, with treatment occurring only where required. Sports fields receive broadleaf weed-control treatments using Conquest twice per year, while Kiwicare Weed Weapon Long Term Concentrate is used quarterly in selected hard-edge locations.
The council noted that all applications are subject to weather conditions, pedestrian management requirements, signage requirements, and environmental controls.
Products Identified
South Wairarapa District Council identified the following herbicide products:
- Glyphosate (primary herbicide)
- Conquest
- Kiwicare Weed Weapon Long Term Concentrate
The council advised that glyphosate is predominantly used for chemical edge control in public areas.
Conquest is used for sports field management and broadleaf weed control, while Kiwicare Weed Weapon Long Term Concentrate is used selectively as a longer-term control option in non-planted areas where there is no risk to adjacent vegetation.
Public Information and Notification
The Standard Operating Procedure supplied by the council includes requirements for signage when spraying is taking place and outlines measures designed to minimise exposure to members of the public.
The SOP also references the distribution of letters to “No Spray” residents, suggesting that alternative spraying arrangements may exist in some circumstances.
In addition, the SOP contains specific restrictions relating to spraying near schools, pre-schools, shopping areas, and other high-pedestrian-use locations. Spraying in these areas is restricted to times outside periods of high public use.
Policies and Reviews
The council advised that herbicide use is governed by its Application of Herbicides Standard Operating Procedure (June 2022).
The SOP covers:
- Approved application methods
- Personal protective equipment requirements
- GROWSAFE certification requirements
- Risk assessment processes
- Public safety measures
- Environmental protection measures
- Record keeping and incident reporting
The document also references NZS 8409:2021 – Management of Agrichemicals and WorkSafe guidance relating to hazardous substances. (Links added by NMGNZ for reader reference.)
When asked when the current approach was last formally reviewed, the council identified the June 2022 SOP as the most recent documented review. The council also advised that herbicide-use practices are currently being reviewed as part of the upcoming Open Space Contract transition.
Documents Provided
The council supplied:
- Application information
- Application frequency information
- Policy references
- Application of Herbicides Standard Operating Procedure (June 2022)
Why This Matters
Across New Zealand, councils manage thousands of hectares of parks, reserves, sports fields, roadsides, and other public spaces.
Understanding what products are being used, where they are applied, and what safeguards are in place helps communities make informed decisions and contributes to greater transparency around public-space weed management.
The Council Herbicide Transparency Project aims to build a nationwide public record of how herbicides are managed across New Zealand’s local authorities, allowing residents to better understand practices in their own communities.
Information Request Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| LGOIMA Reference | Not supplied |
| Request Submitted | 5 May 2026 |
| Response Received | 6 May 2026 |
Information current as supplied under LGOIMA on 06 May 2026.
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