Hunters operating in New Zealand’s remote places during the roar are being asked to keep an eye out for invasive weeds and report any sightings, and to clean their gear before heading out.

Department of Conservation biosecurity technical adviser Connor Hines said invasive weeds such as common heather, gorse, and broom are very harmful for native bush, and can quickly get out of control once they get established.

“DoC has recently had reports of these species at some remote South Island sites, including on Rakiura/Stewart Island, Fiordland, South Westland, and Southland,” Hines said.

“Invasive weeds can outcompete native plants and animals and completely change ecosystems, if left unchecked. And if these weeds take over the landscape, it will also wreck the hunting experience.”

Hines said getting early reports is massively helpful, since rangers can get in and sort the weeds out before they really take hold and become a major problem.

“We’re after reports of things that look out of place – sites where it looks like the invasive weed is just getting established and DoC wouldn’t know about it already.

“If you find an invasive weed somewhere unexpected, sightings can be recorded through the iNaturalist app, or by emailing [email protected] with a photo and waypoint or detailed location.”

He said iNaturalist is an easy option. A user takes the photo in the app, it uploads with exact co-ordinates, and an alert is sent.

“But we realise not everyone has the app so, if you prefer to email, pictures and detailed location information are crucial. It’s a big wilderness out there.

“Only pull the weed out if you’re certain you’ve identified it correctly and can get all the roots – otherwise just report it. And, if you pull it out, please bring the flowers and seed pods into the local DoC office, along with a location, so we know where to follow-up.”

Heather at a remote landing site in South Westland. Photo / Department of Conservation

Hines said that since the department’s staff can’t be everywhere, hunters can help by providing valuable intel from New Zealand’s special backcountry places, as well as by cleaning gear to prevent the spread.

“Over the coming weeks hunters will be getting out to enjoy the roar in some really remote pieces of wilderness where few others go naturing.

“Before you head out, please give your gear – especially your boots, pockets, and tent - a good check and thorough clean for seeds and other biosecurity risks, to prevent accidentally spreading something.

“One of the South Westland sites we’ve seen weeds pop up at recently is a designated helicopter landing zone for hunting trips. We know no one wants to accidentally spread weeds around, so taking a minute give your gear a good check is a small action to make a big difference.”

Hunters are reminded to please follow the Arms Code and remember the basics of good hunting – get a hunting permit, remember there might be others around, share huts and tracks with other users, hunt safely and manage firearms and dead animals carefully.

-Content supplied by the Department of Conservation