The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is holding free weed workshops September 16-17 in Mount Maunganui as part of Conservation Week this year.
The workshops focus on pest plants of the Bay of Plenty, how to identify them, guiding principles for weed control, how weeds are spread and options to control them.

A scene from a 2009 workshop.

The workshop is free to attend and includes a PowerPoint presentation, hands-on plant identification, and options for controlling weeds.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council pest plant officer Sara Brill is running the workshops and says they are suitable for a whole range of people.
"These workshops are really valuable for home gardeners, orchardists, contractors, care group volunteers, and anyone with an interest in protecting our natural environment," says Sara.
Department of Conservation ranger community relations Pete Huggins says weeds threaten New Zealanders' native plants and animals, especially when they invade local waterways, wetlands and sand dunes.
"Weeds are also a problem when they start to encroach on productive land," says Pete. "The department spends time and effort on weed control because of the risk they pose to our special places.
"I'd encourage people to make time to attend these workshops and get informed about this important environmental issue."