Whāingaroa Weedbusters
Whāingaroa Weedbusters is a grassroots volunteer group working to remove pest plants and restore native vegetation across Raglan.
The long-term goal is to help “re-nature” Whāingaroa by recloaking the landscape with native plants suited to the west coast environment. These plants provide food and habitat for native birds, insects and other wildlife while helping our surroundings retain their distinctive local character.
Removing mature pest plants such as privet is only the first step.
Seeds left in the soil can continue to germinate and, without ongoing control, pest plants can quickly reclaim cleared areas. Weedbusters therefore needs to restore the ground and reduce the light available for new weeds to grow.
Birds help with this process by spreading native seeds. Natural regeneration can already be seen along the Kaitoke Walkway, where native plants are returning without as much competition from pest species.
However, this process can be slow. To restore cleared areas more quickly and avoid becoming trapped in an endless cycle of weed removal, volunteers also plant native trees and shrubs into the spaces left behind.
Get involved
Follow Whāingaroa Weedbusters on Facebook, join a working bee or email whaingaroaweedbusters@gmail.com.
For pest plant information, visit weedbusters.org.nz.
This monthly column is supported by Te Rekereke Taiao Trust through funding from Waikato Regional Council.