Project De-Vine Wins Money For War on Weeds

4 September 2015

Golden Bay is set to become even more beautiful, with the announcement from Minister of Conservation, Maggie Barry, that Forest & Bird's Project De-Vine is about to receive a funding boost of $80,000 to help rid the area of problem weeds.

Old man's beard, banana passionfruit, and climbing asparagus have been part of a progressive weed control programme in Golden Bay for the past .... years. Led by Chris Rowse, Project De-Vine originated near Pohara, as it freed rata forest amongst limestone bluffs and crags, from becoming overridden by problem vines.

These plants have been identified in the Minister's War on Weeds - the Dirty Dozen - and the funds will enable that work to expand progressively across Golden Bay with support from local landowners and the community.

"We are delighted to receive these funds. They come at a critical phase of the project's expansion, and mean we will be able to do the work needed to clean up our forests, our streams, and our limestone bluffs from these very damaging vines." said Mr Rowse.

Project De-Vine is working closely with the Abel Tasman National Park's Project Janszoon, to help ensure the buffer around the park is free of weeds.

"Weeds know no borders. The programme to tackle them needs a community approach. Forest & Bird is proud to be a part of that community", said Golden Bay Forest & Bird chairperson, Celia Butler.

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