Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff are working with a farmer near Taneatua, to control an infestation of alligator weed on his property.
The South American aquatic weed which also grows on land, is aggressive and quickly multiplies from a small stem to a dense tangle of roots up to 1 metre deep.
The council says that alligator weed could have a serious effect on waterways and farming operations if it gets established.
It's already widespread in Northland and has also been found in the Auckland region and Waikato.
