The Waikato Regional Council (the Council) delivers its pest plant control through a regionally coordinated programme across several specialised activities, which include terrestrial and aquatic control activities undertaken from a boat. These activities will predominantly occur north of Hamilton (lower Waikato) on the Waikato River, its tributaries and lakes.

The services included in this procurement opportunity are:

• Aquatic surveillance for Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) pest plants to include but not limited to alligator weed, yellow flag iris, Manchurian wild rice, spartina.

• Facilitating direct control of high threat aquatic pests - alligator weed, yellow flag iris.

• Providing practical advice for controlling aquatic plant pests.

• Liaising with key stakeholders and iwi.

• Planned knowledge transfer to build Council internal knowledge of the service.

• There is also a requirement to carry out inspections under the Biosecurity Act.

The Council is wanting to hear from suitably qualified contractors who are interested in this procurement opportunity.