The Otago Regional Council undertakes spraying annually to remove pest plants and keep the gravel islands free from vegetation to assist with channel capacity and provide habitat for native birdlife.

The spray will be applied from a helicopter, which will be targeting only juvenile willows and growth on river islands.

Landowners that hold existing water takes have all been advised separately.

Actual dates of spraying will depend upon weather and contractor availability. Spraying is currently planned to commence on 22 May 2023 and will be complete by the end of May 2023.

A map and photos of the areas to be sprayed are available below.

Contact engineering@orc.govt.nz or our customer services team: customerservices@orc.govt.nz, 0800 474 082.