Invasive pest Chilean needle grass discovered on Te Mata Peak

Classified as a ‘sustained control pest’ under the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan, Chilean needle grass poses a serious threat to agriculture, the environment, and the regional economy.

Te Mata Park caretakers removed the plants, and Regional Council staff carried out targeted spraying to ensure the pest was controlled at the known location. The area will continue to be closely monitored for any signs of regrowth.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Biosecurity Team Lead Matt Short says the Regional Council has a regional leadership role in biosecurity and are committed to protecting areas free of Chilean needle grass.

“Our biosecurity team is actively surveying known sites, implementing a regional control programme, and working with landowners to contain infestations,” says Mr Short. “We’re focused on containing Chilean needle grass, but success depends on partnership with the community – we need landowners to stay vigilant and report any sightings to us.”

Mr Short says the discovery at Te Mata Peak shows how easily the pest can spread.

“Finding Chilean needle grass in an isolated area on Te Mata Peak shows just how easily the seeds spread, sprouting wherever they land. They can spread on contaminated vehicles, personal equipment such as boots or gaiters, stock feed and livestock, so we’re asking landowners to be cautious.”

He adds that now is the ideal time for landowners to check their properties for signs of the pest.

Most Chilean needle grass plants set seed in November and December, when their tall, upright stems produce drooping purple seed heads with long, twisted awns or tails. As summer progresses, the plants turn straw-coloured and blend in with other grasses, making them much harder to identify.

Chilean needle grass has sharp, needle-like seeds that cling to animals, vehicles, machinery, clothing, and hay. These barbed seeds can pierce the eyes and skin of livestock and reduce the quality of wool, hides, and meat. Once established, the pest spreads rapidly, displacing productive pasture species and lowering feed quality.

How landowners can help:

• Inspect paddocks regularly through November and December when seed heads are visible.
• Learn the signs – look for tall, drooping plants with purple seed heads that turn straw-coloured later in summer.
• Clean vehicles, machinery, and tools after working in or near infested areas.
• Avoid moving hay or stock from known infested properties.
• Report any suspected infestations immediately to the Regional Council Biosecurity Team on 06 835 9200.

For more information on identifying and managing Chilean needle grass, click here.

Image: Te Mata Park caretakers removing Chilean needle grass from the area.

Press release courtesy of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. 

Media contact:

Lucy Damen | HBRC Communications Advisor | Phone 027 426 2219