The issue with weeds
Madeira vine with Convolvulus and
Karo, Taranaki
Most New Zealanders know that animal pests, like possums are enemies that threaten New Zealand's natural environment. The threat from weeds is not as well known but is just as serious. Weeds like old man's beard, wild ginger, pampas and contorta pine are a major threat to New Zealand's unique native species, ecosystems and conservation lands.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over eight million hectares of native forests, tussocklands, alpine areas, wetlands, dunelands, estuaries, lakes and many islands. This is about 30% of New Zealand's land area. DOC is responsible for preserving and protecting these areas, including managing threats to them from invasive weeds.
In New Zealand weeds are almost always plant species that humans have introduced to the country. Sometimes, however, even a native species can be considered to be a weed in a particular site if it affects an important natural value on that site
The weed problem is one issue where all New Zealanders can help make a real difference. It is no accident that the weediest places are often those closest to towns. Over 70% of invasive weeds were originally garden plants. People continue to spread invasive weeds by growing them in their gardens, dumping rubbish from gardens or fish tanks, or accidentally spreading seeds and fragments.
Weeds are a problem both on land and in water. For help on how to control weeds, the Weedbusters website has a lot of information, including photos to identify weeds, and how to control them.
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