Tasman Report

Tasman Report – Episode 13

Pests, bird life and the big environmental picture

In Episode 13 of Tasman Report, we look at some of the environmental issues affecting the Tasman District – from the threat posed by Taiwan cherry to the region’s remarkable bird life.

In this episode

Golden Bay Community Board

Grant Knowles discusses the Board’s August meeting and the issues affecting the Golden Bay community.

Taiwan cherry – a noxious pest

It may sound like a cocktail, but Taiwan cherry is a noxious pest. Lindsay Barber, Tasman District Council Senior Biosecurity Officer with the Environmental Services Team, explains what it is, why it matters and what to do if you find it.

For more details check out this website: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/environment/environmental-management/pests-and-weeds Or call: Tasman District Council: Phone 03 543 8400 Nelson City Council: Phone 03 546 0200

Tasman’s bird life

Council ecologist with the Environmental Services Team, Matt Moss introduces some of the remarkable bird life found across Tasman and explains more about the region’s natural environment.

Environmental Services – the bigger picture Rob Smith, Group Manager Environmental Services, talks about the wider work of Council’s Environmental Services team.

Bird flu surveillance A reminder about what to do if you encounter sick or dead wild birds. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.

Episode 12 of Tasman Report brings together key updates, policy discussions, and stories from across the Tasman District.

Plan Change 81 – Urban Development and Change 1 to the Tasman Regional Policy Statement submissions close Monday 3 August 2026. Team Leader Urban and Rural Policy Jeremy Butler talks about the benefits of the plan, what it means for growth in Tasman, and how to make a submission.

Urban Growth Plan Change 81
https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81

We discuss with Community Policy Advisor Cat Budai the proposed Community Occupancy Policy, which covers community group use on Council-owned land or in buildings. Feedback is now open on Shape Tasman thru to Sunday 9 August 2026.

Community Occupancy Policy | Shape Tasman https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/community-occupancy-policy

Find out about the new initiative for dog owners and best friends. Lifetime dog registration tags are being introduced and are designed to reduce waste and make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners.


We then head “Up the Lake” with author Annette Walker, who shares the story behind her book on Lake Rotoiti. Drawing on a remarkable international career and a deep connection to the area, Annette reflects on the people, history, and landscape that inspired her work.

Finally, a reminder for residents with backyard birds to take precautions against bird flu.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) by calling 0800 80 99 66 or reporting them online. Avoid touching or handling sick or dead birds.

For practical advice, including a short video on protecting your flock, visit the MPI website www.mpi.govt.nz and search "bird flu and backyard birds."

Plan Change 81 on urban growth is now open for submissions. Jeremy Butler from the Urban and Rural Policy Team explains what the plan aims to achieve and how you can have your say: https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81/council-agrees-notify-urban-growth-plan-changes

Council has adopted its 2026/2027 Annual Plan. Hear staff briefings from the meeting, along with Mayor Tim King outlining the context behind elected members’ decisions.

Preparations for the H5N1 bird flu threat are well underway nationally and locally. Guinevere Coleman, Marine and Terrestrial Biosecurity Manager, joins us to discuss what’s being done. Learn more: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/environment/environmental-management/biosecurity/update-on-avian-bird-flu-threat-to-new-zealand

Plus, Motueka and Golden Bay communities are advocating for local driver licence testing. Find out how this grassroots effort is gaining momentum and how you can get involved.

How far can a spatial plan take us? In this episode, we explore the potential and real-world impact of spatial planning. We visit the Moutere and the Old House Road Weir, take a closer look at the work of Mohua 2042 in Golden Bay, and discuss how Tasman can position itself in relation to international data on disaster preparedness.

Tasman Report catches up with CEO Leonie Rae as we talk about the Annual Plan, local government reform, Plan Change 81 and, the challenges and achievements in the year to date. Joseph Thomas shares the “water of our summer” story and if you haven’t figured out the “how to” for a good compost this episode is for you.

Links mentioned in the show
For the next Information Forum Meeting go to https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/meetings/meetings-calendar

Check out the composting page here https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-community/a-sustainable-community/rethink-waste/compost-worm-farms-and-bokashi

More information on Plan Change 81 and Change 1 to the Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) at https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81 and the Plan Change webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt4w1Vo8Dz4&t=999s