Auckland Invasive Weeds Group

We're keen to talk with w**d groups across the Auckland region about what their concerns and aspirations are for improved w**d control as we approach the next Regional Pest Management Plan and the next round of Eco-Contracts.

We are contacting groups as time permits - but if we haven't reached out to you yet, please email us at [email protected]

We'd really value your experience, expertise and vision as we work with official agencies to improve effective outcomes and collaboration between official agencies and community groups and volunteers.

The recording of the Council workshop on the RPMP is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAN156ToLnc

We suggest you listen to council manager Imogen Bassett's introduction prior to the discussion of cats and golden clams.

The presentation and discussion on w**ds management start at about 52m and take up the remaining 40 minutes.

There is reference to the AIWG's submissions to Council and council manager Sam Hill refers to the meetings she has had with AIWG.

However there is still a focus on what Council can and can't do within the existing framework. If I understood the discussion correctly, Council is saying that to avoid the reduction of the 500m scope of the current RPMP buffer zones, would require a budget ot $5m. This is hard to understand. It would be useful to see the information behind this assessment.

While Council says that the w**d control spend by local boards is taken into account in estimating the budget for the RPMP plans, it's not clear how this is done. And there was no mention of the estimated value of volunteer work and their community engagement.

An interesting point raised by one councillor was about keeping the door open for increased fine levels to be introduced under the revised Biosecurity Act and for any revenue from these fines to be applied to w**d control.

The focus of the discussion was on protecting native biodiversity in high value reserves; there was limited reference to the general issues of the nuisance to neighbours and local reserves from "w**d factories" such as abandoned orchards or absentee landlords.

There was also acknowledgement of the fact that paricularly in rural land Council and government are the major offenders in having woolly nightshade, MP etc on pubilc land. And that it's hard to tell land owners to clean up their property if official agencies aren't managing theirs.

There's a trap here which needs to be avoided. If Council takes the approach that it will only address 100m round a small number of reserves with high ecological value, then essentially NOTHING will get done in the long term.

It would be better to start with the proposition of what can be done to work progressively towards a high level of w**d control to protect our ecology, agriculture, horticulture and private land.

Then to develop a plan that works progressively towards those goals on a step wise basis.

If you have the time and interest that you could contribute to the work of the AIWG as we discuss these issues with Council, please get in touch.

Warning: don't rely on the transcript of the conversation - it regularly mis-spells not only te reo words but also words like "w**ds".

Auckland Council has released its new AI app https://ask.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

As yet it only answers questions about a small range of topics.

If you want to report a w**d on council land, it still directs you to the old Report a Problem system https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/report-problem/report-a-problem.html

However, if asked "How do I report moth plant on Auckland Council land", Copilot Search responded with this:
To report moth plant on Auckland Council land, you can follow these steps:
Contact Auckland Council: Reach out to Auckland Council at [email protected] to report the moth plant.

Provide Details: Include as much detail as possible about the moth plant, such as its location and any other relevant information

Upload a Picture: If possible, upload a picture of the moth plant for identification purposes.

Response Time: Expect a response from Auckland Council within five working days.

By reporting the moth plant, you contribute to the management and control of this invasive species in Auckland. Remember to follow any additional instructions provided by Auckland Council for the best outcome.

Report a problem Find out how you can help care for your community by reporting a problem to us.

The Auckland Council Policy, Planning and Development Committee is holding a workshop at 1.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday 15) to receive a presentation on aspects of the next RPMP (Regional Pest Management Plan) for 2020 to 2030.

While many members of the public were hoping that the next RPMP would provide improved controls for invasive w**ds, the officer recommendations propose a reduction from the current RPMP.

AIWG has written to Councillor Richard Hills, John Gillon, Josephine Bartley and other councillors and officers asking that no decision is taken on the recommendation at this stage.

Instead, we are asking that a regional hui is held to consult with community groups and local boards to seek a new paradigm to improve collaboration between the Council and the various communities with an interest in improved w**d control.

If you'd like to work with AIWG to promote new and improved processes, please email us at [email protected]

The meeting will be public and on Teams:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/41822885698106?p=dLgN5IROaw6gKcFkmM

However, it doesn't sound like there will be the opportunity for members of the public to speak.

The briefing paper can be found here: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12632

It presents the same approach as in 2019. But we believe new thinking is needed.

AIWG is hoping to see a new innovative approach that will better engage and support schools, communities, property owners/occupants and volunteers to help control the w**d invasion.

Council can't do it alone. They need to address community concerns with an integrated strategy.

They need to talk with and listen to STAMP, AIWG and other local groups to focus a new w**d management energy.

By the way, there are other parts of the RPMP working paper which we support. It's the w**ds recommendation that lacks a forward looking approach.

We are advised that in preparation for the Regional Pest Management Plan 2030-2040, a workshop is being held on 15 April seeking elected members'
direction on key policy options for the RPMP.

See: https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/meeting/12632

An overview can be found at https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeting/12632/78774?type=2&docId=41737 which explains that the
Biosecurity Act also requires council to be satisfied that funding exists to implement the RPMP.

Paper "RPMP 2030-2040 – BP3: pest plant management and land occupier obligations " can be found at https://aucklandcouncil.resolve.red/portal/Meeting/12632/78774?type=2&docId=41740 ( a copy of the PDF can be found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gRr1O2RtUchdU5t5pSsz-MttfEfbLz-t/view?usp=sharing )

The proposals in this document recommend reducing the RPMP buffer zones.

AIWG had met with council officers to initiate discussions on a new paradigm for collaboration between volunteers, community groups, Council and other agencies.

We are concerned that the proposals in this discussion paper don't provide suffiicient strategies to capitalise on the incredible work being done by STAMP volunteers and many w**ding groups across the region.

We hope that Councillors will encourage the exploration of improved strategies.

If you'd like to help prepare a response to these proposals, please write to us at [email protected]

RPMP 2030-2040 – BP3: pest plant management and land occupier obligations