The 2012 operations and projects programme includes initiatives that link closely with NPCA’s strategic aims of quality assurance, communication, research and technology transfer.

These in turn support and are consistent with the conservation, biodiversity and farming objectives of DoC, the Animal Health Board, Regional Councils and industry stakeholders

A consultative process is used with projects to ensure industry support for content and standards of the programme outputs.

2012 Projects

1. PAPP Brochure. A new brochure on the safe use and handling of PAPP is nearly finalised. Final clearance awaits answers around issues related to conditions of sale.
2. Zinc Phosphide Brochure. A new brochure about Zinc Phosphide is nearly completed but, although it has been EPA approved. it is still going through the MAF-NZFSA hoop.
3. VTA Safe Handling and Use Guideline. Initial work is underway on this project, including the task of restructuring the document into a more user-friendly format.
4. Pest Sign Recognition Guide. A start has been made on the first stage of this project to identify and locate existing resource material. The project so far is getting a lot of positive support.
5. Age Determination of Feral Pigs. The layout and formatting of a guideline for Age Determination of Feral Pigs is being finalised by the publishers.
6. Rooks. The development of surveillance and detections tools for rooks is being progressed by Landcare Research with Envirolink funding assistance through Horizons.
7. Machine Hygiene Project. Project specifications for a Machine Hygiene Project are completed, a steering committee confirmed and we are now awaiting confirmation of finance.
8. Training for Rabbit Control Practitioners. Work has begun on designing training based on the training needs workshop run during the year at Lincoln University.
9. Best Practice Guideline Revision Guidelines. Due for revision and updating but subject to finance include signage, tracking, ferrets, rooks, hares mustelids & wallabies.