6 March 2014

NPCA's latest publication, 'Keep it Clean', was launched at Federated Farmers headquarters in Wellington last November.

The booklet is both a guideline and logbook produced to assist anyone using machinery in rural areas to keep their machines clean and keep records of clean-downs so as to prevent or contain the spread of pests and weeds through the countryside.

So far more the 750 copies of the booklet have gone out to a range of agencies and further orders are invited.

Present at the launch were (left to right) NPCA National Co-ordinator Maurice Kennedy, Federated Farmers vice-President Dr William Rolleston, NPCA Chairman Bill Martyn, Ministry for Primary Industries Senior Advisor Sherman Smith, Federated Farmers General Manager Policy and Advocacy Mark Ross, and Federated Farmers CEO Conor English.

The chairperson of the National Pest Control Agencies (NPCA), Bill Martyn, welcomed the colloboration between NPCA (National Pest Control Agencies) and Local Government New Zealand, Rural Contractors New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries and Federated Farmers in developing the 'Keep it Clean' guide.

“We see this very much as stage one of a longer process.  We want to see the adoption of standards by contractors being rewarded and that there is some real meaning and added value to the contractors and those who employ them.

"Since many pest organisms currently occupy only a tiny fraction of their potential range so it is incumbent upon farmers and contractors to be aware that they have an important role to play.

“'Keep it Clean' is another tool in the pathway management of pest and unwanted organisms and in the development of biosecurity at the farm gate as a concept."

Preview a read-only copy of 'Keep it Clean'. Order ($7.50 including GST) by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phoning NPCA at (04) 499 7559.