Dr Marian Weaving

In the escarpment and hills above Whakatāne township, a slow moving but relentless environmental disaster is unfolding.

I’m referring to the spread of the privet and other environmental woody weeds and shrubs that are displacing the remaining native vegetation.

Many parts of privet are highly toxic to humans and like many environmental weeds, their spread results in a reduction of habitat values for many animal and plant species.

This landscape is visually stunning and contributes greatly to the amenity and values of the township for both residents and visitors alike.

It will be a substantial job to remove the privet and other environmental weeds, but if carefully planned and coordinated and backed up with financial commitment it can be successful.

There are many methods developed and used globally for taking on environmental weed removal on this scale.

What we need now is the willingness (and funding) from Whakatāne council to commit to tackling this project over the long term.