Pest plants and animals

Nearly 2000 introduced plant species are now established in the New Zealand wild - that's more than the number of native plants. Of these, more than 200 species have the potential to destroy native plant ecosystems.

Landcare Research scientists estimate more than 25 million native birds are killed annually by imported predators. To help combat this Greater Wellington Regional Council engages in systematic trapping and poisoning in Kāpiti, as do some community groups and landowners.

The Kāpiti Coast District Council controls pest animals and invasive weed species as part of managing ecologically significant sites, parks and reserves. Support, assistance and advice are also provided to landowners with ecological sites identified on their properties.

Species of particular concern include boneseed, German ivy, Cape ivy, English ivy, blue morning glory, tradescantia, wattle, Japanese honeysuckle, pampas, banana passionfruit, arum lily, Old Man's Beard, blackberry, cotoneaster, marram grass and climbing asparagus.

Argentine ants

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has statutory responsibility for controlling pest plants and pest animals (such as Argentine ants), throughout the Wellington Region. For information and advice contact GWRC’s Biosecurity team by phoning 0800 496734 or visit their website.