Free bins bring opportunity to eliminate weeds; Collective action benefits local environment

Free bins bring opportunity to eliminate weeds

Great news for keen gardeners: War on Weeds is back. West Aucklanders will be able to enjoy access to free weed bins for pest plants from February 22 to March 31, thanks to funding from the Waitākere Ranges and Henderson-Massey Local Boards.

“We’re excited to be bringing the weed bins back for longer than usual, after last year’s War on Weeds was cut short by Covid-19,” says Mel Ward from EcoMatters Environment Trust, who manages the bins.

“If you’ve been looking for a golden opportunity to get rid of the invasive weeds in your backyard, this is it.”

Invasive weeds on the ‘wishlist’ to tackle include wild ginger, moth plant, tradescantia, Japanese honeysuckle, jasmine, climbing asparagus, woolly nightshade and more.

“Not only are pest plants a nuisance in your garden, they have a real ecological impact when they invade our beautiful Waitākere Ranges, parks and reserves. Keeping them at bay means that native plants and birds can flourish. It is a team effort that involves all Aucklanders,” says Mel.

“It gives me a thrill to see everyone doing their bit to keep our neighbourhoods weed-free. Thank you for your efforts, and for respecting the bins by using them to dispose of target weeds only.”

For bin locations and accepted weeds, visit ecomatters.org.nz/waron-weeds.

Mel Ward: excited by the return of War on Weeds.

Collective action benefits local environment

The environment has benefited from collective action during 2020, according to new figures from EcoMatters Environment Trust.

More than 49,000 volunteers, supporters and team members have helped enhance 580ha of local land, equivalent to 58 times the area of Eden Park, and kept waste equal in weight to five blue whales out of landfill.

On average, 46 bike repairs have been supported each week, while five homes a week have benefited from Planting garlic at an EcoMatters’ sustainability improvements. Matariki celebration.

“In such a challenging year, we’re immensely proud of what has been achieved with the help of our volunteers, funders and supporters,” says Damon Birchfield, EcoMatters CEO.

Established in 2002, EcoMatters works in and with the community to help people restore nature, reduce waste, ride and fix bikes, grow food, and live more sustainably.

“2020 was a year of change and disruption but, on the positive side, it’s helped us all become more resilient and think about how to do things differently,” says Damon. “Our individual actions do add up and can make a world of difference.”

Highlights for 2019-2020 include: • 11,672 plants nurtured • 201,970kg of weeds collected • 543,597kg of waste diverted from landfill • 2154 environmentally-focused workshops and events • 2412 bike repairs supported • 1186 bikes sold or gifted • 287 homes now more sustainable

“We are immensely grateful to our key funding partners Auckland Council, and the Henderson-Massey, Waitākere Ranges and Whau local boards, as well as Watercare Services Ltd, Auckland Transport, Panuku Development and the Ministry for the Environment for their support too,” says Damon.

FREE BINS FOR PEST PLANTS

AVAILABLE 22 FEBRUARY – 31 MARCH 2021

HENDERSON-MASSEY LOCAL BOARD

1 HENDERSON MPHS Carpark 27 Corban Ave 2 TE ATATŪ PENINSULA 580 Te Atatū Road 3 MASSEY Massey Leisure Centre, corner Westgate Drive and Don Buck Road 4 SWANSON Central Landscape Supplies, 598 Swanson Road

WAITĀKERE RANGES LOCAL BOARD

5 LAINGHOLM Laingholm Hall carpark at 69 Victory Road, opposite Laingholm Primary School 6 PARAU 695 Huia Road, Parau 7 KAURILANDS Konini Primary School, 44 Withers Road 8 TE HENGA Regional Park carpark, next to 110 Te Henga Road 9 TITIRANGI Otitori Bay Road, French Bay carpark 10 TITIRANGI Tangiwai Reserve carpark, Huia Road 11 WAIMA Corner of Boylan Road and York Road PERMANENT WEED BINS 12 WAIATARUA Community Hall, 911 West Coast Road PIHA DOMAIN Seaview Road 13 HENDERSON VALLEY 17 Mountain Road HUIA DOMAIN Huia Road

Need help with the bins?

Go to ecomatters.org.nz/war-on-weeds or phone 09 826 4276

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