Every pod collected is thousands of seeds that never reach the soil.
Moth plant is our highest priority pest plant. A prolific seeder whose pods can persist in the soil for over a decade, it requires a calendar-based approach — working early each season to stop flowering and podding, completely and competently, before the seed bank has a chance to replenish. Rinse. Repeat. Ultimately the seed bank runs out.
We also target climbing asparagus, tobacco weed and other invasive species across the four Reserves.
The seasonal programme
Early season
Oct — Dec
Volunteers work alongside contractors, maximising early-season gains by spraying germinating moth plant seedlings and targeting the seed bank before it establishes. Asparagus, tobacco and other pest plants are also targeted at this time.
Mid season
Jan — Mar
Volunteers concentrate efforts on moth plant hotspots and spend time working through the Historic Precinct Reserves — the Waiheke Scenic Reserve, the Historic Cemetery Reserve and the Conservation Area along Orapiu Road.
Late season
Mar — Jun
The focus shifts to auditing and hunting rogue moth plant vines — tracking down any plants missed earlier in the season, controlling them, and collecting any pods before they can split and disperse their seed.
Join the team!
If you are reasonably fit, have some knowledge of pest plants, and would like to work alongside other volunteers in Te Matuku Environs — we would love to hear from you. No experience necessary; we'll show you what to look for.
