This case study describes control to eradication of tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis, wandering jew) on Stephens Island (Takapourewa), Cook Strait. Control commenced in 1990 and most tradescantia was removed by May 1992, leaving only small isolated patches. Island caretakers attempted to control tradescantia along with their other tasks for the next 10 years. Tradescantia abundance increased over this period. Not until 2003 was the eradication goal