Successful weeding of Auckland

The Auckland Regional Council’s ‘Connect with Nature’ campaign has been declared a success and is likely to take place again next year.

Chair of the ARC’s Parks and Heritage Committee, Sandra Coney, says she was impressed with the number of people who made an effort to get involved and promote biodiversity in their own backyards.

The ‘Connect with Nature’ campaign encouraged Aucklanders to swap pest plants for native plants at eight community days held at local schools throughout the region during March and April 2006.

“We gave more than 4000 native plants to the public and collected almost 70 cubic metres of pest plant material in exchange,” says Cr Coney.

“Overall the campaign has worked very well in terms of raising awareness and bringing communities together.

“Only 30% of the Auckland region is covered in native vegetation and many of our native species have become extinct or endangered.

“Campaigns like this one encourage native species back into our neighbourhoods thereby protecting and preserving the biodiversity that remains for future generations.”

The ‘Connect with Nature’ campaign demonstrated the impact pest plants are having on the environment, native alternatives that can be planted instead and what native species that plant is likely to attract.

Everyone who swapped a pest plant for a native had the chance to go in the draw to win a $3000 prize consisting of native plants, a compost bin, garden art, irrigation, garden supplies and the services of a garden designer to design a native oasis. The prize was supported by Hunkin Garden Products, Perroplas One, Stone & Water World, Living Earth and Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Robina Buckingham from Titirangi was the lucky winner.

ENDS

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