ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITY DECISION
26 January 2007
Application Code
HSE07001
Application Type
To import for release and use a hazardous substance in a special
emergency under Section 49D of the Hazardous Substances and
New Organisms Act 1996 (the Act)
Applicant
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Biosecurity New Zealand
(the applicant)
Purpose of the Application
To import for release and use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon
Termite Bait) to eliminate termites in the Greater Auckland
Region in the event of a special emergency declared under
section 49B of the Act.
Date Application Received
24 January 2007
Consideration Date
25 January 2007
Considered by
Hearings Committee of the Authority
1 Summary of decision
1.1
The application to manufacture and use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in a
special emergency declared under section 49B is approved with controls in
accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act and the HSNO (Methodology)
Order 1998 (the Methodology).
1.2
The substance has been given the following unique identifier for the ERMA New
Zealand Hazardous Substances Register:
Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait)
2 Legislative criteria for application
2.1
On 23 January 2007, and pursuant to Section 49B, the Minister for Biosecurity
declared the adverse event of the incursion of an exotic subterranean termite,
Coptotermes sp., to be a special emergency until 31 December 2007.
2.2
On 24 January 2007 and pursuant to section 49D, the applicant lodged an application
to import for release and use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in the special
emergency. This decision was determined in accordance with section 49F taking into
account matters to be considered in that section, and the matters specified in Part II of
the Act (Purpose of Act) and the relevant provisions of the Methodology. Unless
otherwise stated, references to section numbers in this decision refer to sections of the
Act and clauses to clauses of the Methodology.
2.3
The Committee notes that Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Baits) were used in
Otorohanga, and are currently being used in Nelson for termite incursions. However,
approvals granted for these treatment programmes cannot be used for the applicant’s
current purpose. This is because the treatment in Otorohanga was conducted in
1999/2000 prior to HSNO approval requirements. For the Nelson treatment, the
substance is covered by a containment approval, with a control limiting the application
area to Nelson.
2.4
In accordance with section 49F, the approach adopted when considering this
application was to consider all the information having regard to the particular
circumstances of the special emergency that the applicant provided under section 49E
and determine whether:
 the hazardous substance is necessary for use in the special emergency; and
 the proposed plan adequately controls the adverse effects of the substance.
3 Application process
3.1
The application was formally received on 24 January 2007.
3.2
Evaluation of the application was undertaken by the ERMA New Zealand Project
Team which comprised the following staff members:
Bella Whittle
Advisor (Hazardous Substances)
Nicola Reeves
Advisor (Hazardous Substances)
Zack Bishara
Advisor (Maori Unit)
Noel McCardle
Senior Advisor (Hazardous Substances)
3.3
The applicant supplied the following documents:
 the application, including the following documents as appendices:
o Appendix I: the ‘Plan for Dealing with the Agricultural Compound or Medicine
in the special emergency’ (the Management Plan);
o Appendix II: Details of the containment and transitional facility at St. Johns,
Auckland;
o Appendix III: Subetrranean Termite Infestation Otorohanga- Technical Discussion
Document;
 The Sentricon II Technical Manual (2004).
3.4
Pursuant to sections 49F(2)(a) and 49F(2)(b), the Agency consulted with Department
of Conservation (DoC), the Ministry of Health, the Department of Labour, and the
Ministry for the Environment on the proposal.
3.5
A representative of DoC commented that the Department is fully in support of the
proposal to eradicate the introduced Coptotermes termites. DoC noted that the
proposed method of application is on a small scale and the bait will be contained, so
there will be no widespread impact on native invertebrate populations. Further, DoC
commented that there are three native species of termite, none of which are
threatened. Even if a native termite colony was poisoned during the control of the
introduced termite, due to the limited area the Hexaflumuron will be used in, DoC
considers that there would be no impact on native termite populations as a whole; and
that there are no known threatened native invertebrates in the proposed control area
that are likely to be impacted on.
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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3.6
The Committee had particular regard to the views of the Department of Conservation
(DoC) when considering whether the applicant’s plan will adequately control the
adverse effects of the substance.
3.7
No comments from any of the other Government agencies were received.
4 Consideration
Sequence of the consideration
4.1
This application was considered by the following members of the Authority’s Hearings
Committee (acting under a delegation under section 19(2)(b)): Professor George Clark
(Chair), Mr Neil Walter, and Dr Max Suckling on 25 January 2007.
4.2
In accordance with section 49F and clause 24, the approach adopted when
determining the application was to:




consider whether the applicant had provided sufficient information to determine
whether the substance should be used in a special emergency;
consider the purpose of the application and determine whether the substance is
necessary for use in the special emergency;
consider the lifecycle of the substance and determine the hazardous properties
and adverse effects of the substance; and
consider whether the Management Plan provided by the applicant adequately
controls the adverse effects of the substance.
Information review
4.3
The Committee has reviewed the applicant’s information and additional information
available to it and considers that there is sufficient information to determine whether
Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) should be imported for release and used in the
special emergency.
Purpose of the application
4.4
The purpose of this application is to obtain approval under the Act to import for
release and use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) to eliminate termites in the
Greater Auckland Region in the event of a special emergency declared under section
49B.
4.5
As of mid-January 2007, the applicant was aware of only one infested property in
South Rodney, and considers that the possibility that during the course of investigation
more infested properties/locations are located cannot be excluded. Should there be
newly detected infested properties/locations in the Greater Auckland Region, the
applicant intends that the Sentricon baiting stations will have to be used on those
locations under the umbrella of this response.
4.6
Further, the applicant advises that the precise number of Sentricon IG and AG baiting
stations and quantities of the bait that might be required are unknown at this stage.
The applicant is applying for permission to import and use as many stations and baits
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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as it finds appropriate for eradication of subterranean termites from the Auckland
Region.
4.7
As the purpose amounts to “import for release”; and the “use of an agricultural
compound in a manner that would contravene the Act”, the Committee considers that
the application qualifies for consideration under sections and 49D(2)(a) and 49D(2)(d).
Criteria for declining the application
4.8
Under section 49F(3) the Authority may decline the application only if it is satisfied
that –
(a) the hazardous substance is not necessary for use in the special emergency; or
(b) the proposed plan does not adequately control the adverse effects of the
hazardous substance.
The necessity to use the hazardous substance to deal with the special
emergency
4.9
The applicant considers it necessary that a response action based on the bait system is
the main response tool that will have a high probability of success. This has previously
been used in Otorahanga, and is currently being used in the Nelson area.
4.10
The applicant has considered alternatives for eradicating the target pest. They describe
such alternatives as unsuitable, listing the reasons and supporting evidence in their
application (Section 5.1, p.13).
4.11
The applicant notes that a delay in applying the Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite
Bait) could result in the termite colony spread, which would increase the cost of
eradication, and reduce the likelihood of success.
4.12
The Committee has reviewed the information provided by the applicant and is satisfied
that it is necessary to use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) for the special
emergency.
Controlling the adverse effects of the substance
Hazardous properties
4.13
The applicant has examined the properties of the components of the substance, and
considers that the substance triggers thresholds for eye irritancy, target organ systemic
toxicity (due to reported effects of hexaflumuron on blood, kidney, liver and spleen
and potential for methaemoglobinemia following excessive exposure).
4.14
With regards to adverse effects in the environment, the applicant indicates that
hexaflumuron is very highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates on an acute basis and is
slightly toxic to birds on a dietary basis.
Lifecycle
4.15
In assessing the adverse effects of the substance, the Committee reviewed the lifecycle
of the substance as described in the applicant’s Management Plan, as summarised
below.
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The plan for dealing with the use of the substances in the special emergency
4.16
The applicant advises that once imported, the substance will be stored within a
contained facility in Auckland. The product is then intended to be used as soon as
possible. The product has no specific transport requirements hence can safely
transported to Auckland by air or road.
4.17
The applicant advises that the product will be used on the termite infested property in
South Rodney, in Auckland. Sentricon baits are available in two forms. One in the
form of a tube for use in Sentricon In-Ground (IG) Termite Bait stations and one in
the form of a the bait matrix contained in a polyethylene bag for use in Sentricon
Above-Ground (AG) Bait stations. While the presentation of the two baits differs, the
composition is the same (0.5% hexaflumuron and 99.5% cellulose).
4.18
The applicant advises that when installed in-ground, the bait station initially only
contains wooden monitoring devices (no pesticide). These stations are inspected
periodically and only when termites are detected within the station, are the monitoring
devices replaced with the bait tube. The AG bait station consists of a secure plastic
box containing hexaflumuron in a cellulose matrix and is installed in those locations
above ground where active termite feeding is detected.
4.19
The Committee notes that the plan includes measures to be taken to avoid, remedy or
mitigate any actual or potential adverse effects from the use of the substance.
4.20
With regard to the risk of adverse effects to the environment, the applicant advises
that the bait presentation and provision for monitoring for active termite feeding will
reduce exposure to non-target organisms. Further, the location of the bait stations
will be chosen so as to prevent the substance entering any surface water or groundwater systems.
4.21
With regard to potential risks to human health, the applicant advises that the operator
handling the substance will be a highly specialised person. The applicant has also
considered the risks to bystanders. The baits are described as child-proof, provisions
are included for notifying the residents on treated and neighbouring properties,
advising them to restrict access to the baits by children (and pets).
4.22
The Committee notes the applicant’s requirement in the Management Plan that
application, inspection and monitoring of the bait stations will be carried out by
authorised Dow AgroScience agents from Pestforce Pty Ltd, Australia. The
Committee viewed this as important.
4.23
The applicant has included procedures for on-site management for both private
property and public land.
4.24
The applicant advises that at the conclusion of the response operations shall be stored
in the Investigation and Diagnostic Centre (IDC) Laboratory, or alternatively exported
or otherwise adequately disposed.
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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Identification and evaluation of the adverse effects of the substance for use in
the special emergency
4.25
In the application and Management Plan, the applicant identified and assessed
potential adverse effects, and detailed proposals for, and impacts of risk management.
The Committee has reviewed the applicant’s assessment of adverse effects and agrees
that that it is suitable for the consideration.
Adverse effects to the environment
4.26
The Committee considers that adverse effects to the environment may arise from:
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) during importation;
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in transit;
 leakage or spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) during storage;
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) at the field location;
 exposure to non-target species during use;
 breach of packaging or bait stations;
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) during disposal.
4.27
The application and accompanying Management Plan contain measures that must be
taken to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects arising from the manufacture
and use of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait). The Committee has reviewed
these proposals and is satisfied that they are adequate to control the adverse effects of
the substances in the environment.
Adverse effects on human health and welfare
4.28
The applicant has identified that adverse effects to the human health and welfare may
arise from:
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) during imporation;
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in transit;
 leakage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) during storage;
 spillage of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) at the field location;
 operator or bystander contact with the bait stations while in use.
4.29
The application and the accompanying Management Plan contain measures that must
be taken to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects arising from the manufacture
and use of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait).
4.30
The Committee has reviewed these proposals and is satisfied that they are adequate to
control the adverse effects of the substance to human health and welfare.
Māori issues and concerns
4.31
ERMA New Zealand has considered this application in accordance with the
Methodology clauses 9(b)(i) and 9(c)(iv) and sections 6(d) and 8. In addition, the
Project Team used the framework contained in the ERMA New Zealand user guide
“Working with Māori under the HSNO Act 1996” to assess this application.
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4.32
Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) triggers a number of hazard classifications
giving rise to the potential for cultural risk including the deterioration of the mauri of
taonga flora and fauna species, the environment and the general health and well-being
of individuals and the community. In addition, the introduction and use of this
substance has the potential to inhibit the ability of iwi/Māori to fulfil their role as
kaitiaki, particularly in relation to the guardianship of waterways.
4.33
The applicant advised that they and the Māori Strategy Unit within the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) consulted with the local rūnanga in the Rodney
district (Ngāti Whatua Ngā Rima ō Kaipara) and wider with the central and Northern
Auckland hapū of Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua and Ngati Whatua ō Orakei in relation
to the proposed eradication programme and use of these substances. In addition,
provisions have been established to advise the rūnanga prior to any activity involving
or impacting on the local marae. They will continue to work with the iwi as the
programme progresses as appropriate.
4.34
In light of the possibility for the applicant to consider wider application of the bait
across the greater Auckland area the Committee considers it appropriate that in the
potential emergency of an incursion occurring in other areas of the Auckland region
outside the rohe of Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Whatua ō Orakei and/or Ngāti
Whatua Ngā Rima ō Kaipara, that the appropriate kaitiaki of those areas be contacted
also informing them of the proposed emergency state and incursion response strategy.
4.35
Having regarded the nature of the special emergency application, the measures taken
to address Māori issues and interests, and the controls applied as part of this decision,
the Committee considers any likely impact of these substances on Māori culture or
traditional relationships with their ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu, valued flora
and fauna or other taonga to be minimal. In addition there is no evidence to suggest
that the controlled use of the substances will breach the principles of the Treaty of
Waitangi.
4.36
However, the Committee does consider it appropriate that the local rūnanga be
advised of any accidental unanticipated use, impact, or contamination of waterways
resulting from the eradication programme. This action should include advising them
of the contamination and the measures taken to contain and remediate.
Economic and related effects of the use of the substance
4.37
The applicant advises that subterranean termites can cause substantial damage to
houses, wooden furniture, trees, sawn wood and other forestry produce, and states that
a large proportion of buildings in New Zealand are made of wood. The applicant
advises that the success of New Zealand with economy based on primary industries
(e.g. forestry) can be negatively influenced with a new exotic unwanted organism.
Subterranean termites are an example of a pest with high potential to impact negatively
on our economy and society. The applicant states that the eradication of known exotic
termite colonies with the most efficient tool, hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in
this case, is of a national significance.
4.38
The Committee considers that the potential economic risks of exotic subterranean
termites are significant, and that eradicating the pest with Hexaflumuron (Sentricon
Termite Bait), is likely to be beneficial.
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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Effects related to New Zealand’s international obligations
4.39
The Committee notes that no effects related to New Zealand’s international
obligations have been identified.
5 Controls
5.1
The Committee has evaluated the adequacy of the arrangements proposed by the
applicant in the management plan and consider that these are adequate to control the
adverse effects of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait).
6 Recommendations
6.1
The Committee notes the destructive impact of the exotic subterranean termite and
the need for the applicant to respond quickly when an incursion is detected. In
consideration of the temporary and limited nature of this approval, the Committee
invites the applicant to consider developing a more long-term solution in the form of a
permanent approval for Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait).
6.2
In light of the possibility of the applicant considering wider application of the bait
across the greater Auckland area, the Committee considers it appropriate that in the
potential emergency of an incursion occurring in other areas of the Auckland region
outside the rohe of Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Whatua ō Orakei and/or Ngāti
Whatua Ngā Rima ō Kaipara, that the appropriate kaitiaki of those areas be contacted
also informing them of the proposed emergency state and incursion response strategy.
6.3
Further, the Committee considers it appropriate that the local rūnanga be advised of
any accidental unanticipated use, impact, or contamination of waterways resulting from
the eradication programme. This action should include advising them of the
contamination and the measures taken to contain and remediate.
7 DECISION
7.1
The Committee has considered this application made under section 49D, and pursuant
to section 49F, the Committee is satisfied that the substance is necessary for use in the
special emergency.
7.2
Having considered the risks associated with the lifecycle of Hexaflumuron (Sentricon
Termite Bait), the Committee is satisfied that the Management Plan and the controls
imposed, including those in place under other legislation, will result in the substance
being adequately managed in accordance with the Act.
7.3
The Committee has also applied the following criteria in the Methodology:
 clause 9 – equivalent of sections 5, 6 and 8;
 clause 11 – characteristics of substance;
 clause 21 – the decision accords with the requirements of the Act and regulations;
 clause 22 – the evaluation of risks – relevant considerations;
 clause 24 – the use of recognised risk identification, assessment, evaluation and
management techniques.
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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7.4
The application import for release and use Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) in a
special emergency is thus approved pursuant to section 49F, with the following
controls:
7.4.1
The substance may only be used if the special emergency is managed in
accordance with the plan specified by the applicant as set out in Appendix 1.
7.4.2
The approval takes effect on the date of this decision and expires on 31
December 2007.
7.4.3
On expiry of this approval the Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait) must
be disposed of or stored in an Exempt Laboratory under the Hazardous
Substances (Exempt Laboratories) Regulations 2001, unless, before the
expiry of the approval, the applicant has, under any other provision of the
Act, been granted an approval.
Deputy Chair
Date
Approval Code:
Hexaflumuron (Sentricon Termite Bait):
HSE000009
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APPENDIX 1: MANAGEMENT PLAN
PLAN FOR DEALING WITH THE AGRICULTURAL COMPOUND OR MEDICINE
IN THE SPECIAL EMERGENCY
(A) The Measures That Be Taken To Avoid, Remedy, Or Mitigate Any Actual Or Potential
Adverse Effects From The Use Of The Agricultural Compound Or Medicine
There are only a few very low risks associated with the use of hexaflumuron as described in this
application. In order to comply with the matters listed in Section 49G of the HSNO Act, MAF will
have a number of Management actions in place.

The product will be used on a termite infested property in Auckland and any newly detected site
in the Auckland Region. It will be installed in-ground around the perimeter, as advised by the
specialists on the property. When installed in-ground, it initially only contains wooden
monitoring devices (no pesticide). These stations are inspected periodically and only when
termites are detected within the station that the monitoring devices are replaced with the bait
tube (containing hexaflumuron embedded in cellulose matrix). This minimises identified risks to
flora and fauna or any other environmental exposure.

The baits shall only be applied by way of the inclusion in Sentricon IG Bait stations or
Sentricon AG Bait stations, as appropriate.

The Above-ground bait station consists of a secure plastic box containing hexaflumuron in
cellulose matrix and is installed only in those locations above ground where active termite
feeding is detected. This would restrict the exposure to non-target organisms and to humans. In
addition, the bait station is secured with a silicon sealant to maintain humidity levels and
minimise disturbance.

The location of bait stations at the response sites shall be chosen so as to prevent the substance
entering any surface water or groundwater system.

The Sentricon manual is provided which outlines the detailed management procedures that will
be adhered to at the actual sites. The main details are summarised as follows:
Summary of on-site management procedures:

After conducting a survey at each site, the In Ground stations will be installed around the
perimeter of the infested property building(s) at intervals of 3 - 5 m. When installed, these
stations will not contain the bait matrix (hexaflumuron). The stations will only contain two
pieces of wooden monitoring devices. The stations will be monitored at intervals of 2-4 weeks.

If any station has termite activity, the wooden monitoring devices will be replaced with the bait
matrix (please refer to the attached manual for detailed procedures of installing this bait matrix
– Page 4-7 of the attached manual).

All baiting stations will be numbered, listed and a site map with actual locations at the
infestation site will be produced. This will facilitate that all baiting stations are accounted for,
will be maintained during the course of the response programme and will be removed on
completion.
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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
During routine monitoring, if termites are detected above ground, the Above Ground stations
will be safely installed (please refer to pages 9-12 of the attached manual).

The In Ground bait stations are secured with a child proof and the Above Ground bait boxes
have a secure cover to prevent non-target exposure. Once the termite feeding has ceased the
bait tubes will be replaced with the monitoring devices and the bait boxes will be removed.
On-site management procedures relevant for a private property

The infested site(s) is (will) be declared Restricted Places under Section 130 of the Biosecurity
Act, thereby restricting movement of the chemical and all other associated materials from the
site. Any movement of chemicals from the site will need to be directed by a MAF approved
Inspector or Authorised person.

Residents of properties neighbouring the treatment site shall be advised in writing of the
response and the need to restrict access to the baits by pets and children.

Residents of the properties to be treated shall be advised in writing of the response and the need
to restrict access to the baits by pets and children.

Access to the treatment site(s) shall be by permission of the BNZ Investigations and
Diagnostics Centres (IDC) operations controller or owner of the property on which it is
located.

Ideally, the treatment site boundaries shall be clearly marked and distinctly visible from outside
the site throughout the life of the treatment. The site(s) shall be signed indicating that
unauthorized access is not allowed, that the site is subject to an eradication treatment, and that
the bait stations should not be removed or disturbed. However, the concern is that signage will
lead media et al to the property to the detriment of the homeowners, neighbours and the
treatment. A potential solution is to use smaller discrete signs that could be placed so that they
are not visible from the road. BNZ would discuss this matter with the homeowner to ensure the
conditions meet both the homeowners and the regulatory requirements.
On-site management procedures relevant for a public land

The infested site(s) is (will) be declared Restricted Places under Section 130 of the Biosecurity
Act, thereby restricting movement of the chemical and all other associated materials from the
site. Any movement of chemicals from the site will need to be directed by a MAF approved
Inspector or Authorised person.

Residents of properties neighbouring the treatment site shall be advised in writing of the
treatment and the need to restrict access to the baits by pets and children.

The treatment site boundaries shall be clearly marked and distinctly visible from outside the site
throughout the life of the treatment. The site(s) shall be signed indicating that unauthorized
access is not allowed, that the site is subject to an eradication treatment, and that the bait
stations should not be removed or disturbed.

Bait stations will be placed in positions where disturbance is minimised or preferably excluded.
Any unauthorised interference with the bait station may result in reduced bait uptake, bait
ERMA New Zealand Decision: Application HSE07001
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station abandonment or the retreat of termite activity from the area altogether, severely
impacting on the program effectiveness.
(B) The Requirements For The Disposal Of The Agricultural Compound Or Medicine:

Lifecycle of the chemical in New Zealand:
o
The product has no specific transport requirements hence can be safely transported to
Auckland by air/ road.
o
Containment plan for our facility in Auckland (Plants and Environment Laboratory –
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre, 231 Morrin Road, St. Johns, Auckland) is in Appendix
II. Once imported the product will be stored in the above mentioned location for a short
duration.
o
The active ingredient (hexaflumuron) is embedded in a paper based bait matrix. Thus
spillage of the active ingredient is not expected to be an issue. Should any spillage of the
baits occur it shall be contained, prevented from entering waterways, and recovered. These
recovered baits shall be used in the response or disposed of through local landfills, subject
to the facility’s waste acceptance policy.
o
Used bait tubes and bait boxes will be double bagged and disposed of by deep burial at a
local authority landfill (as specified in the MSDS).
o
Surplus substance remaining at the end of the response operations shall be stored in IDC
laboratory, or alternatively exported or adequately disposed.
o
A record shall be kept of all use of the substance.
o
Information on appropriate safety precautions necessary to provide safeguards against the
substance’s toxic and ecotoxic properties shall accompany the substance at all stages of its
lifecycle.
o
Personal protective equipment shall be worn when handling Sentricon Baits or components
of the bait stations. The application, inspection and monitoring of the bait stations will be
carried out by authorised Dow AgroScience agents from Pestforce Pty Ltd, Australia. The
operator has been used in recent termite responses and is expected to be acquainted with
current New Zealand regulations regarding pesticide use, Occupational Health and Safety,
etc.
Address:
Pestforce Pty Ltd
20 Kenthurst Rd
Round Corner NSW 2158
Postal Address- PO Box 116 Round Corner NSW 2158
ABN (Australian Business Number) 91 002 777 264
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(C) The Requirements For The Eradication Or Control Of Any New Organism.
The bait system (e.g. Sentricon bait stations baited with hexaflumuron) was highlighted as the only
possible mechanism available to respond and potentially eradicate the subterranean infestation in the
recent past in New Zealand (e.g. Otorohanga response). The same applies for the newly identified
South Rodney site. Scientific evidence indicates that a response action based on the bait system is
the main response tool with high probability of success. This tool has previously been used for
eradication of an extensive termite infestation at Otorohanga site in 1999/2000 (declared successful
in 2005) and is currently been used in the Nelson area
As of mid-January 2007 Biosecurity New Zealand is aware of only one infested property in South
Rodney. The possibility that during the course of investigation more infested properties/locations
are located cannot be excluded. Should there be newly detected infested properties/locations
in the Greater Auckland Region, the Sentricon baiting stations will have to be used on those
locations under the umbrella of this response.
The precise number of Sentricon IG and AG baiting stations and quantities of the bait that might be
required are unknown at this stage. It is important that Biosecurity New Zealand has a permission to
import and use as many stations and baits as it finds appropriate for eradication of
subterranean termites from the Auckland Region.
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