Weed Action gets good local support

 

The meeting called by Weed Action PiroaBrynderwyns (PB) at The Club on November 11 attracted keen interest. Rick Stolwerk, Coastal South Northland Regional Councillor, outlined the funding now available to support community weed control initiatives in the project area.

It extends from Mangawhai in the south to Waipu in the north and he emphasised that Weed Action’s vision is to connect with landowners at a landscape scale so that the collective efforts of many results in a positive change in weed prevalence.

Jo Barr, former coordinator of Weed Action Whangarei Heads, used overheads to illustrate the work there and the direction it could provide for Mangawhai’s community when tackling its weeds.

A question from the floor concerned the use of herbicide. Barr responded by saying that the emphasis is on prioritising the safety of volunteers and landowners undertaking weed work and on the health of the environment by using manual and/or minimal herbicide control methods. Appropriately trained and equipped contractors are employed where the situation requires it. Nancy Chaves, recently appointed to coordinate Weed Action PB, was introduced to the meeting. She spoke about her expectations for the role.

“To make real and sustainable change will require the involvement of the local community. So it’s my role to raise awareness through face-to-face communication with landowners and to support and encourage the efforts of local volunteers and groups.” Weed Action PB will have a website to provide information about the threats posed by weeds, the various ways to control them and where people can access tools and equipment to do the job. A Facebook page will also be created to keep the community informed of practical demonstrations, upcoming group weeding events and other activities.

“Expect further information in the New Year and let’s start making inroads on weeds”, says Chaves.

n If you want to be added to the local Weed Action circulation list, contact nancy_halse@hotmail. com

“To make real and sustainable change will require the involvement of the local community"