Kawerau Volunteers Tackle Invasive Plants for Conservation Week

A community group in Kawerau is expanding its focus from litter clean-ups to tackling invasive plant species as part of Conservation Week.

Keep Kawerau Beautiful committee member Jonette Mead said Kawerau Neighbourhood Support initially pitched the initiative to them, which is about protecting native ecosystems while encouraging locals to take a more active role as environmental guardians.

“Invasive plants choke the growth and flourishing of our native species,” said Mead.

“Plants like moth plant don’t just grow up; they grow over everything, smothering seedlings like ponga and pittosporum that you’d expect to see in a healthy reserve.”

She said the impact goes beyond plants, affecting local wildlife as well.

“Bird life need the native trees to flourish and live in. They're not going to be going in and out of choked plants. If they do, there's the potential, obviously, for them to carry the seeds, brush against stuff and spread.”

This week, the group are running two volunteer events targeting invasive species such as small privet, Taiwanese cherry, and moth plant.

On Thursday, volunteers can head to Monica Lanham Reserve to remove plants from the upper reserve areas.

A second event on Friday will focus on riverbank areas near the sports fields off Cobham Drive.

Mead said early intervention is key.

“If we can pull out baby privets when they’re small, that’s ideal. It’s about reducing the number of new invasive plants before they take hold.”

While the work is hands-on, she said safety is also a priority, particularly given the terrain and tools involved.

“We’re on hillsides, pruning and cutting, so wearing safety glasses or even sunglasses is really important. There’s a real risk of eye contact with low branches,” she said .

“Gloves are a must too, especially with the moth plant, its sap is relatively toxic. And sturdy shoes are essential.”

The events are supported by the local council, which will assist with removing larger cut material afterwards.

Beyond the physical clean-up, Mead said the goal is to build awareness and long-term behaviour change.

“Even if we only have two people turn up, as much as anything, promoting the kaupapa of being kind of the kaitiaki of the environment by getting rid of some of these plants is going to help spread the message,” she said.

“It’s sewing the seed in someone's mind about, oh, when I’m out walking, I could take a plastic bag or a bag and some gloves and pull these plants out as I'm going. That will make a huge difference.”

Mead said whether it's a rubbish clean-up or clearing invasive species, these events are a great way to meet people.

She said the Kawerau community has already shown strong support through previous litter clean-ups, and hopes that momentum will carry into and beyond Conservation Week.

“When people see others making an effort, it creates a sense of place. It’s good for the environment, and good for the soul.”