Wallabies have been present in New Zealand for more than a century, but in recent years their spread beyond designated control zones has become an increasing concern. Left unmanaged, they pose a significant threat to productive farmland, native biodiversity and the long-term health of our rural landscapes.
South Canterbury and the Bay of Plenty are two regions where these impacts are already being felt. To better understand what this means on the ground, we spoke with Shanice Young from Te Puke Young Farmers and Jack Arthur-Schoppe from Waimate Young Farmers about their experiences, why wallaby control matters, and the role young farmers can play in protecting New Zealand's future.
Firstly, tell us a bit about yourselves. What motivated you to join the farming sector, where are you currently based and what is your role?
Shanice:
My name is Shanice, and I grew up in the Wairarapa before moving to the Bay of Plenty to pursue a career in dairy farming. I was drawn to farming because I loved the idea of working outdoors, being around animals, and being part of an industry that helps feed New Zealand and the world.
I'm currently recovering from foot surgery following an injury, but my background is in dairy farming, where I worked as a 2IC helping manage the day-to-day operations of a large dairy farm.
Jack:
My name is Jack, and while I don't work directly on a farm, I work in agricultural quality assurance. I carry out assessments for a range of dairy, meat, fibre and other primary sector businesses across South Canterbury.
Can you share your first real experience of wallabies as a pest? What stood out to you at the time?
Shanice:
My first real experience seeing the impact of wallabies was while working in the Bay of Plenty. What stood out most was the amount of damage they could cause without many people even realising they were there. You'd see browse damage on young plants and native regeneration areas, along with pressure on pastures that farmers had worked hard to establish. It quickly became clear that wallabies aren't just a wildlife issue—they're a farming and environmental issue as well.
Jack:
After moving to South Canterbury, the scale of the infestation became obvious almost immediately. Seeing wallabies moving across hillsides in numbers similar to rabbits really highlighted how established they had become.
As someone building a career in agriculture, what concerns you most about what wallabies could mean for future farmers if the problem isn't tackled now?
Shanice:
As someone who plans to spend many years in the farming industry, my biggest concern is that wallabies become so widespread that managing them becomes accepted as a normal part of farming, rather than something that could have been prevented.
Future farmers already face rising costs, environmental regulations and climate pressures. Adding another widespread pest to that list would place even more strain on farming businesses while reducing the productivity and profitability of our land.
Jack:
One of my biggest concerns is the role wallabies could play as vectors for weeds and disease. With hawkweed now appearing in isolated areas of South Canterbury, animals capable of travelling long distances and living at high densities have the potential to spread unwanted pests and diseases even further. It's an area that deserves more research so we can better understand and manage those risks.
NZ Young Farmers is built on collaboration. How does working together, locally and nationally, change the game when it comes to wallaby control?
Shanice:
Working together is one of the biggest strengths we have in the farming sector. Wallabies don't recognise farm boundaries, district boundaries or regional boundaries, so tackling them one property at a time isn't enough.
When farmers, councils, industry groups and organisations work together, we can share knowledge, resources and experiences to stay ahead of the problem. Young Farmers has always been about learning from one another, and that same approach can make a real difference when it comes to pest control. The more connected we are, the more effective we'll be.
Jack:
This is a problem that no one person or organisation can solve on their own. The last time New Zealand faced threats like this, it required a coordinated national response. Success will depend on local leadership, community involvement and strong support from organisations working together to protect both biodiversity and the future prosperity of our farming communities.
How do we encourage young farmers to care about wallabies without making it feel like just another thing to worry about?
Shanice:
It starts with education and keeping the message practical. Young farmers don't need another problem added to a long list—they need to understand why it matters and how taking small actions now can prevent much bigger problems in the future.
Sharing real examples from farms already dealing with wallabies helps make the issue relatable. When people can see the impact on pasture, biodiversity and farm productivity, they're much more likely to get involved and be part of the solution.
Jack:
I think there's already a strong understanding among young farmers that this is an issue worth tackling. The key is making sure they know they aren't facing it alone.
Support from national organisations, local and central government, DOC and other agencies is essential. If farmers feel supported and know there's a coordinated effort behind them, they're much more likely to stay engaged and help control—and ultimately eliminate—the problem.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Shanice:
As a young farmer, I see this as a future-focused issue. We all want to leave the land in better condition than we found it, and protecting our farms from emerging pest threats is part of that responsibility.
Wallaby control isn't just about today—it's about ensuring future generations inherit productive farmland, healthy ecosystems and fewer challenges to overcome. The earlier we act, the better the outcome will be for everyone.
Jack:
Act early and don't be afraid to reach out for help. More often than not, there are people and organisations ready to support you. The sooner action is taken, the easier it is to get the problem under control.
To stay up to date and learn more about wallaby control, visit: biosecurity.govt.nz/stop-wallabies