Who Are We?
The Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group Inc (WCG) is a community, not-for-profit organisation created in April 2009. We are focused on protecting biodiversity and the remarkable landscape of the Wakatipu for the benefit of residents, users, tourists and particularly, future generations. The WCG aim is to control wilding trees. Queenstown is renowned worldwide for its stunning and iconic landscapes, but they are under threat from wilding trees. Wilding conifers threaten and replace native beech forests and tussock.

How we do it
Alert – The community to the exponential spread and cost of wilding control.
Communicate – The WCG programme of control and projected effects of no control.
Eradicate – ALL seeding trees where possible.
Contain – Non-removable wilding areas and planted forests.
Hand Back – Control maintenance to landowners. DOC and QLDC at the end of the WCG five year strategy periods.
Our Vision is the Protection
and Enhancement of:
Landscape & Aesthetic Values – Views of beautiful golden tussock & glacial landscapes are under threat.
Conservation Values – The loss of flora and fauna that is unique to the Otago region.
Land Use Values – Timber in most wildings has little economic use and a closed conifer shades out grazing species.
Hydrological Values – Closed canopy lowers water yield into rivers/catchments due to canopy interception and evaporation.
Recreational Values – Such as tramping, walking, running and cycling are disturbed.
The Gallery of Change
The photos below capture the extensive growth and spread of wilding tree species in the Wakatipu. The main species causing a serious problems are Douglas fir, Contorta Pine, Corsican Pine, Larch and Scots Pine. The intention is to illustrate how quickly this problem is growing and how urgent it is to intervene and remove coning seed sources in order to protect our native flora before it is gone for good.








Videos
A short video to inform people the threat wilding conifers has on our beautiful mountain sides and to make the viewers become more aware of the problem at hand.
Volunteer
If you or a group of people are interested in doing conifer control work then get in touch by clicking here. We organise regular Volunteer Days but are happy to help get you involved and have the tools necessary to get chopping!
The WCG have a new volunteer program called ‘Adopt a Plot’, this represents a new approach to the problem.
Rather than a few volunteers looking after a large area, the program seeks to engage with many people who can provide intensive control of smaller areas.
Under this scheme, businesses, community groups, schools, and family groups will adopt a specific area of the basin. Each group will be responsible for hand clearing their plot of seedlings and then maintaining the area to prevent regrowth. The WCG will help interested parties select a suitable plot and then provide ongoing support including training, advice and loan of tools and equipment.
Team

Eion and Jan have a passionate love of and commitment to restoring and maintaining Wakatipu’s iconic landscapes. Eion brings a wealth of experience in business, in community and nationwide organisations, along with his wisdom and encouragement to the WCG executive. While Jan has the practical experience and love of the outdoors.
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Founding Chairman of the Wakatipu Wilding Control Group, Peter arrived from the UK as a 15 year and now resides in Kelvin Heights.
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As Chair of WCG, Grant is passionate about educating people on the threat wilding conifers pose to the environment.
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Our Sponsors
WCG Funding Partners
Queenstown Lakes District Council • Skyline Enterprises • Central Lakes Trust • Lotteries Grant Board Environment and Heritage fund QLDC • Department of Conservation • LINZ • NZTA • Cecil Peak Station • Mt Nicholas Station • Closeburn Station • Elfin Bay Station • Ben Lomond Station • Queenstown Hill Station • Coronet Peak Station • Waitiri Station • Halfway Bay Station • Mt Difficulty Station • Remarkables Station • Loch Linnhe Station • Cone Peak Station • Lowburn Station • Pioneer Generation • Southland Building • Scope Enterprises
National Wilding Conifer Management Group
For access to the National Wilding Conifer Management Strategy 2015-2030, the Wilding Risk Calculator and updates on national news and events, click on the link below.
FAQ
Please get in touch with any questions we haven’t been able to answer by filling out the form below
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. To get in touch, please fill in the form to the right with your details and message and click submit.