News Details

On 26 February 2026, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) approved the release of a leaf-feeding beetle to help manage the invasive Chilean flame creeper. 

Invasive Plant Threat to Native Vegetation 

Tropaeolum speciosum is a fast-spreading pest plant that suppresses native vegetation and poses a significant threat in regions including Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It is also present on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands and is increasingly affecting Manawatū-Whanganui. 

On behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, Environment Southland applied to import the leaf-eating beetle Blaptea elguetai, as existing control methods such as manual removal and herbicide application have proven to be labour-intensive, less effective, and potentially damaging to surrounding vegetation. 

EPA Risk Assessment and Approval Process 

The organism was approved by an independent decision-making committee following a rigorous, evidence-based risk assessment. The decision also incorporated public consultation and engagement with mana whenua (local Māori communities with authority over the land), in line with New Zealand’s established approach to the safe and effective use of biological control agents for managing invasive weeds.