Federated Farmers report New Zealand pest crisis

A National Pests Survey by Federated Farmers indicates that New Zealand’s pest problem has reached a crisis point. Despite increased spending and effort, pest populations are growing faster than they were two years ago.

The survey estimates that pests cost farmers approximately $466 million annually through lost production and direct control costs. Farmers are spending an average of $6.18 per hectare each year on pest control, representing a 13% increase over the last two years. Two-thirds of farmers report that pest numbers have risen over the past five years, compared to roughly half in 2024.

Richard Dawkins, Federated Farmers' pest management spokesperson, stated that the current approach of tackling pests species by species and property by property is failing. He called for a properly funded national pest management strategy that coordinates responsibilities across farmers, forestry, councils, and the Crown to address the issue at a landscape scale.

The impact on livestock is significant, with nearly one-in-three farmers forced to reduce stocking rates because pests are consuming excessive amounts of pasture. Control efforts are widespread, with farmers, families, and staff undertaking pest management on more than 90% of farms.