Whaingaroa Weedbusters were excited and humbled to be recognised in the recent Mayoral awards.
Volunteers Sue and Dave Wood and Lynette Riley went to the awards ceremony one Friday night in July and were amongst esteemed company with many other groups and individuals who give and give to their communities in many different ways. We are very grateful to Ross Wallis and the Raglan Community Board who value our volunteer contribution and nominated us.
Why do we volunteer with Weedbusters?
“I think as someone who knows a few plants, weeds in the bush just look like what rubbish on the beach might look like to other people. So, just like feeling the urge to pick up rubbish, I feel the need to tackle weeds when I see them” – Britta
“So cool to be working with a group of like- minded people towards a common goal – the magic of the group coming together and achieving so much more … mind blowing” – Sue
“I really hate seeing invasive pest plants steadily taking over our environment. And they are! Once you learn to recognise them, you can’t un-see them. That inspired me to volunteer. It’s so much easier being part of a group that’s working to turn the tide than stand by and watch it happen. It can be frustrating and hard work sometimes, but it’s also fun and extremely satisfying. I love kaitiakitanga in action” – Dave
“Weeds are poisoning our whenua. People power, knowledge, and deeds can reverse the trend. We have enough stories of biodiversity loss. I’m motivated by seeing the energy and enthusiasm of other volunteers and also by the fear of continuing to lose our precious taonga species” -Tim
“Nature needs our help to thrive. If we don’t weedbust there will be more and more pest plants taking over our environment and that is just too awful to contemplate” – Belinda
“Not all pests eat birds, invertebrates and native plants etc. Pest plants do just as much damage to our natural/native ecosystems. Weedbusting is only part of the whole picture. Renaturing is the bigger picture. This is home; with a bit of effort we can rid Whaingaroa of both animal and plant pests. It’s so rewarding seeing a pest infested area transformed, and the bird life that comes with that is amazing!” – Lyndi
“Great baking and nice people” – anon
Follow us on facebook, ask questions, join in. Whaingaroaweedbusters@gmail.com
For more specific information see www.weedbusters.org.nz
Keep an eye out for our monthly pest plant column with thanks to Te Rekereke Taiao Trust and Waikato Regional Council.
