MIL-OSI New Zealand: Community groups receive funding to protect indigenous biodiversity

Control of infestation and monitoring impacts of pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) on naturally rare coastal ecosystems on Banks Peninsula.

This project seeks to document impacts of the invasive weed pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) on coastal cliffs, basic tors (rocky outcrops), scarps and rocklands, as well as the coastal forest and scrub remnants and grasslands of Banks Peninsula.

Additionally, it will examine the features driving spread into interior vegetation communities and determine the effects of chemical control of pig’s ear on these ecological communities, using the 1,800-hectare area between Menzies Bay and Little Akaloa in the north-eastern bays of Banks Peninsula as a case study. 

Pest Free Community Activator position.

This project will continue the funding of a Pest Free Community Activator position, to work with community trapping groups across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. The Activator will deliver training and support, and a range of resources, to support community groups to positively impact biodiversity outcomes. 

Linda Woods Reserve (Avoca Valley) plant maintenance project.

Linda Woods Reserve is a 233ha reserve, made up of Horotane and Avoca Valleys, which is owned and managed by the Summit Road Society. Supporting the Society’s aim of restoring lowland dry podocarp hardwood forest to the reserve, this project is for maintenance of 14,000 native plants in Avoca Valley, focusing on weed control and protective plant guard removal and recycling.

Weeding Waipapa’s wilds.

This project aims to increase the extent of indigenous coastal forest through weed control, natural regeneration, and community tree planting from Purau to Te Waipapa Diamond Harbour. It will reduce environmental weed sources through control of outlier populations and, through community engagement and outreach, inspire and educate local gardeners to remove weeds from their gardens. 

Mt Vernon’s rocky outcrops — protection, investigation, enhancement and engagement.

This project involves the protection, enhancement, research and monitoring, and education and engagement on rocky outcrops of significance within Mt Vernon. The rstoration work within Mt Vernon will be supported by collaboration with research and restoration communities to document and monitor various restoration/intervention strategies and external impacts and influences. 

Te Wharau Stream restoration.

This project will involve the protection and enhancement of the Te Wharau Stream catchment to ensure improved biodiversity habitat, improved freshwater quality, higher carbon capture, and higher survival rates for native flora and fauna. 

Protecting special areas: selective gorse control on Te Ahu Pātiki.

This project will protect identified areas on the summit of Te Ahu Pātiki and designated special areas on Mt. Bradley. Te Ahu Pātiki is host to a variety of nationally and regionally rare species, which are all under threat from recent gorse incursion.

Transformation of the wetland edge of Te Roto o Wairewa.

This project will control problematic weeds in the wetland edge of Te Roto o Wairewa that the Little River Rail Trail runs through. Weed control in this area will also prevent significant incursion into other high value areas that have recently had extensive weed control treatment.