Pest Plants

Pest plants (sometimes called weeds) are plants that are not native to an area and have a negative impact in some way. The plants represent a range of climbers or vines, shrubs and large trees. They all damage our indigenous biodiversity, most often by displacing or competing with our native plants directly. Aotea has low numbers of some species of High Risk Pest Plants that have overrun parts of the mainland. In this respect the island is incredibly unique and has an excellent opportunity to control and eradicate species that otherwise left unchecked would have a significant impact on the Islands biodiversity.

The following pest plants are currently present on Aotea but are not yet widespread, and we would love to keep it that way. We hope this information helps you spot these plants on your property, at a friends’ or neighbours’ place and report sightings through to Auckland Council, to arrange control. A seedling controlled today could reduce the need for intense control in years to come