Free weed workshops back

Popular free annual workshops offering Northlanders tips on how to tackle some of the worst weeds threatening our region will be on offer again shortly.

Councillor Joe Carr, who chairs the Northland Regional Council's Environmental Management Committee, says the three-hour workshops will be run by council biosecurity specialist Sara Brill from Monday 27 July.

Councillor Carr says it will be the fifth year the council has held the popular workshops.

"Typically council holds two weed workshops per day at each venue based on demand from local communities, which can vary from year to year. This year we'll be visiting Paparoa, Kerikeri, Coopers Beach and Whangarei."

He says every year up to 200 people take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to better manage weeds (both land and freshwater-based) either on their own land, or properties they manage for others.

Councillor Carr says those keen to attend should contact Sara Brill directly on (09) 470 1162 or freephone (0800) 002 004 to register or learn more about the workshops which run from either 9am until noon or 1pm-4pm each day.

"The hands-on workshops have a serious purpose, but are delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people get to grips with what these weeds are and how to kill them."

The Monday 27 July to Saturday 01 August workshops will include a short presentation, hands-on identification tips and information on control options, including chemicals and other methods.

"The 20-plus weeds covered are some of Northland's worst – including wild ginger, lantana and moth plant – and will also include the serious freshwater weeds salvinia and water hyacinth."

The first workshop will be held at Paparoa Memorial Hall on Monday 27 July, followed the next day in Kerikeri at the St John Ambulance Hall, Kerikeri Rd and then at the St John Ambulance Hall, St John Rd, Coopers Beach on Wednesday 29 July.

Thursday 30 July will see workshops at the regional council's Water St, Whangarei offices.

He says two separate three-hour workshops will be held at each weekday venue; one in the morning from 9am until noon and the other in the afternoon from 1-4pm but numbers are limited to about 30 people each time so registration is essential.

"There'll also be one final weekend workshop in Whangarei on the morning of Saturday 01 August (9am-noon) for those who might not have been able to make any of the weekday events."

Councillor Carr says the workshops are a great opportunity for people to plan ahead and get ready for the busy weed knockdown period once winter ends.

He says general information on pests in Northland is available from the council's website via: www.nrc.govt.nz/pestcontrolhub