With privets blossoming around the region it can be a case of the summertime blues for people who suffer respiratory disorders such as hayfever.

But the Waikato Regional Council is reminding sufferers of new rules that are in place which may help them to breathe a little easier.

The new Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan allows for the removal of privet if a person gets a positive allergy for the plant. Photo: File

If a person thinks privet on a neighbour's property is causing them respiratory problems council will require neighbours to remove the plant.

Biosecurity officer Darion Embling says people have to get a positive allergy test for privet before they consider seeking its removal.

'Under our new Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan, the privet allegedly causing the problem must be within 50 metres of the property boundary.

'Or in public amenity areas, such as parks and playgrounds, or in frequently used thoroughfares.”

Those wanting an allergy test can contact their GP or local allergy clinic.

Darion says while the pollen and scent of privet is believed to contribute to respiratory disorders there is no evidence of a direct link.

Research also shows privet is not a strong allergen for the majority of people which is why WRC has developed the new approach to privet, says Darion.

'It provides a basis for affected people to take action but they need to get an allergy test.

'The position of the privet said to be involved has to meet strict criteria before we'll formally require its removal.”

But the WRC is also helping fund more research into privet's potential effect on people and it encourages landowners to control privet on their properties.

Privet is banned from sale, propagation, distribution or commercial display.

In some residential areas there are community-driven initiatives under which people are still required to destroy privet which includes Mangatarata, Te Aroha, Waihi and Paeroa.

Darion says privet is a widespread ecological pest in Waikato.

'Privet rapidly invades bush margins and waste areas and the leaves and berries are poisonous to animals and humans. Tree privet is capable of crowding out canopy trees in native forests.

'It may also impede native seedling germination and may eventually dominate an area of forest. Chinese privet can displace shrubs on the margins of native forests.”

Darion says if you have privet it is recommended you remove it immediately to prevent further spread.

For privet control options and a list of other pest plants, visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/rpmp

More information is also available from biosecurity staff by calling 0800 BIOSEC (0800 246 732)