Weed Eradication

 

Keeping Noxious Weeds At Bay.

Overview: Coastal Custodians are collaborating with DOC, Auckland Council, Free The Tree and Te Korowai o Waiheke to deliver a strategic, synchronised maintenance and control programme for North Western Waiheke.

This section aims to inform and educate residents and stakeholders so we may maximise our combined community efforts as we all work towards 100% weed eradication.

A weed management plan is in conjunction with Coastal Custodian volunteers and authorised contractors commissioned to conduct eradication work on the DOC Reserve under the Community Agreement Authority.
Questions regarding policy and process from volunteers and or contractors should be directed to: coastalcustodians@gmail.com

Coastal Custodians Project – March 2025 Progress Update

Eco-Restoration in the Matietie Historic Reserve
In February and March 2025, Free The Tree Ltd – on behalf of the Coastal Custodians and the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust – continued vital eco-restoration work in the steep, ecologically sensitive lower and middle reaches of Matietie Reserve, below Delamore Drive.

Efforts focused on strategically removing invasive pest species, including Mothplant, Woolly nightshade, Pampas grass, Japanese honeysuckle, and Rhamnus. All work was managed using targeted, low-impact methods to protect native flora and align with local chemical use guidelines from the Department of Conservation, Auckland Council, and the Waiheke Local Board’s regulations.

Encouraging signs of natural regeneration—such as kanuka and kōwhai seedlings—were observed in recently cleared areas. Healthy numbers of kingfisher nests indicated a biodiverse and recovering habitat.

Despite the challenging terrain, we’re proud to report zero health and safety incidents. The team continues to operate with cultural and ecological sensitivity, particularly around the Mokemoke Pā site.

Acknowledgements
This work was made possible thanks to the generous support of our funders:

  • The Waiheke Local Board
  • Perpetual Guardian & The Stout Trust
  • The Department of Conservation
  • The residents of Delamore Drive

The next steps include restoring the northern and central sections and progressing toward safe access around Mokemoke Pā with guidance from mana whenua.

For more information about Free The Tree Ltd and our restoration work, visit www.freethetree.co.nz.

Weed Control Contractors: (List below does not imply any specific recommendations)

Weed Chemical Instructions and Brand Recommendations: CLICK HERE  https://coastalcustodians.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Agrichem-Use-Plan_Free-The-Tree-Coastal-Custodians-Version-1_27-03-2024-1.pdf

Health & Safety Work Authorisation For Approved Contractors to operate on the DOC Matietie Reserve; Contractors please complete and submit the Coastal Custodians DOC approved H&S compliance form: CLICK HERE

Weed Identification & Eradication Instruction Videos:

  1. Woolly Nightshade (Tobacco Plant)Rhamnus (Evergreen Buckthorn), Pampas and Moth Plant (Milk Weed) 
    Introduction & instruction videos: CLICK HERE

Key weed varieties listed below: 

 INFORMATION LINKS: Weedbusters Detailed Information Pages ERADICATION INFORMATION

Moth plant Image: Weedbusters

Moth Plant – Araujia sericifera

Germinates in light wells or semi-shade inside established forest, often long distance from seed source, and smothers and kills plants up into the canopy, preventing the establishment of native plant species.

Buckseed.

Bushy, semi-woody, much branched shrub or small tree (<2-3 m) with ribbed and woolly young stems that become smooth as they mature. Smooth, leathery, bright-green leaves (70 x 35 mm) have irregularly toothed edges and are arranged alternately on the stems. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers (25-30 mm diameter) are produced from September to February and are followed by hard oval green fruit (6-9 mm) which ripen to black and each contain a hard seed.

Buckthorn Image: Weedbusters

Buckthorn (Rhamnus)

 

Evergreen Buckthorn, often multi-stemmed, shrub or tree (<2-3m tall, occasionally <15 m) with hairy, angular, purplish shoots. Ovalish, leathery leaves (15-60 x 10-30 mm) are glossy above, entire or toothed sharply or blunt along the edges. Plants are either male or female, with small, green, petal-less fragrant flowers (3-4 mm diameter, May-Nov) followed by many showy, glossy berries (5-7 mm long, Dec-Jan) ripening from dark red to black.

Forms dense stands and prevents the establishment of native plant seedlings. Acts as a low shrub on windswept rocky shores or understorey shrub in tall canopy.

 

 

 

Climbing Asparagus Image: Weedbusters

Climbing Asparagus

Smothers forest floor and understorey to 4 m, preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings and growth of established species. Raises light levels, causing the invasion of further weeds. Can ringbark and kill soft-barked shrubs and trees, and invades areas where epiphytes are usually found, replacing already vulnerable species.

Common Waiheke Weeds

Including below plus: Arum Lily, Cape Ivy, Blue Morning Glory, Himalayan Honeysuckle, Chinese Jasmine, Plectranthus, and Wild Ginger. Weedbusters Detailed Information Pages ERADICATION INFORMATION

Agapanthus
Image: Weedbusters

Banana Passionfruit
Image: Weedbusters

Chinese Privet
Image: Weedbusters

Cotoneaster
Image: Weedbusters

Japan Honeysuckle
Image: Weedbusters
Madeira Vine
Image: Weedbusters

Mile a Minute
Image: Weedbusters

Pampas
Image: Weedbusters

Tradescantia
Image: Weedbusters

Woolly nightshade
Image: Weedbusters

Chemical Use Instructions

LINK: Free The Tree -Agrichem Weed Chemical Plan 

Recommended Suppliers Include: Rainbow & Brown – Cut N Paste

Volunteers, Please Note: Foliar spraying by non-professionals on the DOC Matietie Historic Reserve is prohibited. Approved Contractors contact admin