Published on 21/01/2026
The move was finalised at the end of November, and enhances Key Industries ’ability to deliver holistic pest-management programs that address not only insect and rodent pests, but also the vegetation and habitat factors that support them.
That’s the message from managing director Frank Visser, who founded Key in 2020 after a long career in the New Zealand crop protection industry with then Dow AgroSciences.
Cut’n’Paste was invented by conservation ranger and advisor Andy Spence.
Visser says over the past 15 years, Spence has built the brand into a respected name among contractors, councils and conservation groups.
“Its gel formulations provide safe, non-spray weed control ideally suited to sensitive areas such as reserves, riparian zones, and residential environments.
“Effective pest management is about more than targeting animals or insects in isolation. When you control the weeds, you reduce the food sources and shelter that sustain rodents and other pests,” Visser adds.
“Bringing Cut’n’Paste into the Key Industries portfolio allows us to deliver complete, environmentally conscious pest-control solutions from the ground up.”
Spence says he is delighted Key has taken over the brand and products.
“Their focus on innovation, sustainability, and service makes them the ideal partner to take Cut’n’Paste forward while maintaining the values and product quality that our loyal customers have come to trust.”
What began as a small home-based operation has grown steadily, reaching customers throughout NZ and beyond, Spence says.
“Over the last few years, production shifted to Auckland and the business has continued to expand — now to a point where the scale of operations, customer demand, and production logistics have outgrown what I can manage on my own.”
The acquisition ensures that the Cut’n’Paste Weed Gel range will continue to be available and supported by a dedicated national team with strong distribution and technical capability.
Customers can expect the same great products — now backed by Key Industries’ wider expertise and infrastructure, he says.
Frank Visser says his company’s integrated approach recognises the ecological links between plant and animal pests.
Uncontrolled vegetation provides harbourage and nesting cover for rodents, as well as seeds, fruit, and insects that support their populations.
By incorporating targeted weed control through Cut’n’Paste Weed Gels into broader pest programs, contractors and land managers can reduce rodent harbourage and feeding zones and improve the effectiveness of baiting and trapping programs.
They will also enhance overall environmental restoration outcomes.
“Our goal is to help customers think holistically,” says Visser. “By managing weeds, insects, and rodents together, we can achieve cleaner, safer, and more resilient ecosystems — whether on farms, in orchards, or within conservation reserves.”
Production and supply of the full Cut’n’Paste Weed Gel range will continue seamlessly under new management.
Customers will benefit from nationwide distribution, expert technical advice, and ongoing product development supported by Key Industries’ R&D and field teams.
“The acquisition also reinforces Key Industries’ investment in NZ-developed, sustainable technologies, aligning with its 25-year commitment to practical innovation and environmental stewardship,” Visser says.