Free weed workshops back

Northlanders keen to learn more about some of the worst weeds threatening our region – and how best to tackle them – are being urged to register now for one of a series of free workshops.
The three-hour workshops in Kaitaia, Okaihau, Kerikeri and Whangarei will be run by the Northland Regional Council in mid-June.

"These workshops – which will follow the same format as a similar series we ran about a year ago - are for people who wonder which weed is which, why weeds ‘wander’ and what spray works on which weed," organiser Sara Brill says.

Ms Brill, a biosecurity officer with the regional council, says last year’s weed workshops proved very popular with more than 200 members of the public taking advantage of them.

She says next month’s workshops will include a short presentation, hands-on identification tips and information on control options, including chemicals and other methods.

Among the 20-plus weeds covered will be some of Northland’s worst - including wild ginger, lantana and moth plant.  This year will also be an opportunity to learn more about the serious water weeds salvinia and water hyacinth.

The first workshop will be held at the Wilson property, 71 Okoro Rd, Okaihau on Tuesday 12 June from 10am.

Council will then hold two workshops in Kaitaia on Wednesday, 13 June at Kaitaia Primary School’s Whare Marino in Mission Place and another two workshops in Kerikeri the following day at Kingston House, Hone Heke Rd.

Ms Brill says both the Kaitaia and Kerikeri events will feature a separate morning (9am-noon) and afternoon (1-4pm) session, with numbers limited to about 15-20 people at each.

Workshops will also be held in Whangarei at the regional council’s Water St office on Friday 15 June (again with separate morning and afternoon sessions) and on Saturday 16 June.

Ms Brill says up to 30 people will be able to attend each of those sessions, but with a good level of interest expected, she’s urging potential attendees to pre-register quickly for any of the workshops they’re interested in to avoid missing out on the day.

“We won’t be able to take any registrations on the day and it would be a shame to have to turn people away.”

People keen to register should contact Sara Brill at the Northland Regional Council on (0800) 002 004.

Ms Brill says more information on pests in Northland is available from the council’s website at: www.nrc.govt.nz/pestmanagement