National Pest Plant Accord facts for kids

The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is an important agreement in New Zealand. It helps stop the sale and spread of certain plants that are harmful to the environment. These plants are called "pest plants" or "weeds."

The NPPA started on October 1, 2001. It was first an agreement between local councils and government groups that work on keeping New Zealand safe from harmful plants and animals. This work is called biosecurity. In 2006, the Nursery and Garden Industry Association also joined the group that makes decisions.

Under this agreement, local councils check to make sure these harmful plants are not being sold or grown.

What are Pest Plants?

Pest plants are like bullies in the plant world. They grow very fast and can take over areas. This harms native plants and animals. They can also damage farms and gardens.

The Department of Conservation also keeps a list of many plant species that are considered environmental weeds. These are plants that cause problems on land they manage.

Who Helps Control Pest Plants?

Many groups work together to control pest plants in New Zealand.

Regional Councils

Local councils across New Zealand are a big part of the NPPA. They check nurseries and garden centers. Their job is to make sure that the plants on the NPPA list are not being sold. They also make sure these plants are not being grown or moved around.

Nursery and Garden Industry Association

This group represents businesses that grow and sell plants. They joined the NPPA in 2006. This means they help decide which plants go on the list. They also help make sure plant sellers follow the rules.

Department of Conservation

The Department of Conservation (DOC) looks after New Zealand's natural places. They also deal with many harmful plants. These plants can damage forests, wetlands, and other important habitats. DOC works to control these weeds to protect native plants and wildlife.

The National Pest Plant Accord List

The NPPA has a special list of plants. These are the plants that are banned from being sold or spread in New Zealand. The list is updated sometimes. The last update was in 2012. It includes many different types of plants. Some are trees, some are climbing plants, and some are water plants. All of them can cause big problems if they are not controlled.

For example, plants like Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) and Cortaderia jubata (purple pampas) are on the list. These plants grow quickly and can push out native plants. Other plants, like Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), can block waterways.

If you are buying plants, it is good to know about the NPPA. This helps you choose plants that are safe for New Zealand's environment.

See also

• Invasive species in New Zealand