Forest & Bird advocate Kevin Hackwell is confidently predicting there will be a pest plague next winter and spring as a result of increased flowering of beech trees this season.
The Department of Conservation has confirmed the threat is looming, but it currently needs more funding from the government to prepare for the pest onslaught.
2014 was also a mast year, in which a significant amount of beech flowering and seeding provided food for rats and stoats. Staff appointments at DOC were delayed in order to free up funds for added pest control.
But that benefit is not available now, as the positions have since been filled.
"It is crucial that the Government urgently commits to emergency funding for substantial pest control, so that the Department of Conservation can begin the planning of a comprehensive response right now," says Mr Hackwell.
