DoC launches digital tool to detect invasive weeds early
Tuesday 6 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Department of Conservation
The Department of Conservation is launching a free digital surveillance tool called Smart Weed Alert Tool. This tool scans local and international databases to identify new or fast-spreading weeds more quickly.
Key facts
4 facts
- The Smart Weed Alert Tool (SWAT) is a free, open-source digital surveillance tool.
- The tool was developed over three years with a budget of $1 million.
- The tool scans databases including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
- The tool aims to address New Zealand's billion-dollar weed control problem.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is launching a free, open-source digital surveillance tool called the Smart Weed Alert Tool, or SWAT, on Tuesday. This tool is designed to act as an early warning system for new or fast-spreading weeds. The system automatically scans local and international databases, such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, to identify emerging threats.
Dr Kate McAlpine, the creator of SWAT, believes the tool can help address New Zealand's billion-dollar weed control problem. The tool allows users to set customised alerts for specific weed types and locations. When a new record for a species is detected in a specific region, suburb, island, or country, the system notifies those with set criteria.
The development of the tool took three years and one million dollars following an idea from an AI hackathon. Dr McAlpine, whose PhD subject was weeds, will present the tool at a biodiversity expo during global climate change talks in Armenia next week.
A prototype of the tool has already identified historical populations and a fern in Taranaki wetlands. Te Papa curator of botany Leon Perrie noted that the fern alerted to by the prototype is not meant to be in that location.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and NZ Herald.