Most of us householders recognize it as Roundup.

Environmentalists and public health officials have steadily raised concerns about glyphosate use in New Zealand, to better reflect more restrictive overseas practices. At this time, there are no blanket bans in the European Union, USA or Canada, but commonly each has more localized bans and/or restricted uses.

Here in New Zealand, Organic Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is welcoming an announcement this week from New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) that glyphosate residue limits in wheat, barley and oats will remain at 0.1 mg/kg, with new restrictions on how glyphosate can be used in crop production, specifically banning pre-harvest use on grains for human consumption.

Says OANZ: “The 3,100 submissions opposing a 100-fold increase in glyphosate residues represent thousands of New Zealanders who refused to accept a future of higher chemical residues in their food. Farmers, consumers, health advocates, and environmental champions came together and changed the course of food policy in this country.”

Earlier this year, BayBuzz asked our local councils about their use of glyphosate, which appears to be relatively restricted. “For what purposes and to what extent does [Council] use glyphosate?” Here are their replies:

HBRC

Biodiversity team response:

The HBRC Biodiversity team uses a range of different herbicides to manage certain pest plants that are impacting on the regeneration of indigenous species at sites of high biodiversity value. The herbicide used depends on a range of factors, including type of pest plant, size of infestation and potential non-target impacts. This year glyphosate was used for controlling willows, pampas and old man’s beard, as well as for spot spraying at 2 sites ahead of restoration planting. Most of this work is undertaken by professional contractors engaged on our behalf.

Biosecurity team response:

The biosecurity team uses a variety of tools to control specific pest plants listed in the Regional Pest Management Plan. Glyphosate is one of these tools, primarily used for the control of Chilean needle grass, Australian sedge, and alligator weed where these plants occur in the region.

Works Group response:

The HBRC Works Group uses Glyphosate in conjunction with other herbicides to control a range of pest plants in the following circumstances:

• For the control of Willow and Poplar re-growth impacting both river berms and river beaches throughout the Heretaunga Plains, and Upper Tukituki schemes.  
• For the control of grasses and other pest plants impacting Councils open drain network throughout the Heretaunga Plains and Wairoa area.

HDC
Glyphosate provides broad spectrum control of weeds and HDC contractors use the following amounts of glyphosate per annum as part of carrying out tasks included within maintenance contracts.

Transportation            612L/annum

Landfill                        162L/annum

Parks/reserves            120L/annum*

Cemeteries                  12L/annum

*Please note, no glyphosate is used on any playground or sports surfaces within the parks and reserves of the District.

NCC

Between 80 and 100 litres a year containing glyphosate.