Thanks to a grant from the WWF-New Zealand and Tindall Foundation Habitat Protection Fund, we are undertaking a special project to rid the southern end of the Whangarei Heads peninsula of elaeagnus and tree privet. Both of these weeds are a big problem for the Heads, but at the southern end … [Read more...]
What's New
Bugs and beetles join the battle!
It is not just people taking action to control weeds out at the Heads. We have two new weapons in our local arsenal. The first is the woolly nightshade lace bug (Gargaphia decoris). This biocontrol agent was released at two sites in the Heads early last year and has just been found at a new site, … [Read more...]
Why your backyard matters
Weeds are sneaky. They start off unassuming, a small seedling, a single tree, an isolated vine. At these early stages it’s often hard to even notice them, let alone recognise the potential for destruction that they can wreak. They don’t seem to be doing much, or going anywhere. It is often not until … [Read more...]
Whangarei Heads School gets a boost from Northtec Students
Fern Valley is a small piece of bush belonging to the kids of Whangarei Heads school. It is very important to them, and the site of many games and much hut building. It is a super cool asset for the school and the kids, but it is under attack from weeds like cotoneaster, eleagnus, agapanthus and … [Read more...]
Wharf Rd Weed Action in Action
The Wharf Rd Weed Action team have been at it again. Clearing yet more privet and eleagnus from the coastal edge and walkway. Check out these guys in action and have a look at the before and after. Huge progress is being made and they are not done yet – they will be continuing on their merry way … [Read more...]
Stick a pin in Wild Ginger
Got wild ginger? Stick a pin in it! Check out this great initiative from the NRC and the 'Stop wild ginger!' stakeholder group - an interactive tool to help map wild ginger. Anyone can add a pin mapping ginger in their backyard or surrounding area. Go to Stop Wild Ginger and drop your … [Read more...]
Spot the Taiwan cherry!
Over the last month you may have seen some of these signs popping up in the McCleod Bay/Reotahi. They are a part of our project to give people the gift of 'weed vision'; helping folks to recognise the weeds that are quietly expanding in their midst before it is too late. Wherever these signs have … [Read more...]