CWG Program Directors Annual Report 2025-2026
Updated: 23 hours ago
A Year of Progress: Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group 2025–2026 Summary
The 2025–2026 financial year has been one of significant progress for the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group (CWG), with expanded control operations, growing community involvement and strengthened partnerships helping protect Central Otago's landscapes from the spread of wilding conifers.
Despite funding uncertainties, challenging weather and operational pressures, CWG successfully completed 15 programme items, delivering approximately $438,000 in total programme value through a combination of public funding and landowner contributions.
2025–2026 at a Glance
15 programme items completed across Central Otago.
$223,930 invested through main-funder control funding.
$214,030 contributed by landowners, including cash and estimated in-kind support.
424 volunteer hours contributed, a 72% increase on the previous year.
493 hectares covered through nine volunteer and Landowner Assistance days.
3,670 metres of contorta shelterbelt transitioned, exceeding the initiative's first-year target.
Strengthening Wilding Conifer Control
Control efforts spanned the Naseby, Dunstan, Alexandra and Lammermoor management areas, with projects including McMillan Foot Hills, Pigroot, Dansey's Pass, Cambrians, Cornish Point and Loganburn/Rock and Pillar.
A highlight was the Loganburn/Rock and Pillar project, which combined innovative drone-based control with traditional ground crews to treat more than 1,000 hectares. Aerial surveys across the Dunstan Mountains and neighbouring ranges also improved understanding of remaining infestations and helped identify priorities for future work.
Landowner participation continued to play a vital role. At Knobby Range, a landowner independently completed control work following CWG advice, saving the publicly funded programme approximately $15,000.
Growing Community Involvement
Community participation was a major success story, supported by the introduction of a dedicated Community Coordinator in December 2025.
Across nine field days, volunteers contributed 424 hours, up from 246 hours the previous year. Activities ranged from corporate volunteer days at McMillan's to community events at Jolendale Park and Halfmile Reserve, and a helicopter-access control day in the Kakanui Mountains.
CWG also expanded its Landowner Assistance Day programme, supporting landowners, their families and neighbours with tools, advice and coordination to tackle infestations together.
These efforts reflect CWG's long-term goal of empowering landowners and communities to take an active role in wilding conifer management.
Supporting Native Shelterbelts
The Shelterbelt Transition Initiative, delivered alongside Tiaki Maniototo, exceeded its first-year target by transitioning 3.67 kilometres of shelterbelt, against a target of 3 kilometres.
Supported by Otago Regional Council's EcoFund and additional Department of Conservation funding, the initiative helps landowners transition away from wilding-prone exotic shelterbelts towards native alternatives.
Following its first-year success, the programme will expand opportunities across the wider Maniototo while continuing to prioritise the Styx Basin.
Looking Ahead
Despite the year's achievements, significant challenges remain. Ongoing seed spread from plantation forestry, particularly Douglas fir, continues to threaten the long-term effectiveness of control efforts.
CWG has strengthened its advocacy for clearer seed-source responsibility, improved regulation and sustainable funding to protect investments already made in wilding conifer control.
Looking ahead to 2026–2027, priorities include expanding control and maintenance operations, strengthening landowner assistance, continuing the Shelterbelt Transition Initiative and building on the momentum of community volunteering.
Recent increases in national wilding conifer control funding provide an encouraging opportunity to accelerate this work.
Thank You to Our Supporters
CWG's achievements would not be possible without the commitment of landowners, volunteers, contractors, funding partners and supporting organisations.
From those contributing time in the field to those supporting projects financially or advocating for change, every contribution helps protect Central Otago's landscapes for future generations.
Together, we're making meaningful progress towards a future where wilding conifers are effectively managed across Central Otago.
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