2000

In the early 2000s, a then little-known species of ground weta was discovered, causing significant damage to vine buds in the Awatere Valley. This led to a decline in grape production and caused big problems for grape growers. Weta have always been in the Awatere, but the introduction of vineyards to the area proved to the weta's advantage - the population boomed as a result. The best solution identified by the study was already in use on many vineyards. It wasn't cheap but it was simple. It is a much preferred method compared to chemical spraying. Bands stapled around the trunks of vines and vineyard posts were found to be the best means of limiting damage while at the same time protecting the weta population.

The bands work simply by making it more difficult for weta to clamber up the vines or posts. Very much like the steel bands attached to power poles to stop possums from climbing them.

Source

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/101978699/marlborough-weta-have-a-taste-for-grape-vines

https://predatorfreenz.org/research/wine-weta-marlborough-vineyards/