Puketi Weedbusters: a Call for Volunteers

Puketi Forest Weedbusters

The campground in Puketi Forest is a lovely spot for a family outing. There is a campground with basic amenities, a short nature trail with labeled plants and longer trails for the fit intrepid tramper. Located just 25 minutes drive from Kerikeri, Puketi Forest is also a gem in the chain of the Te Araroa Trail.

Like many forests around New Zealand the beauty and biodiversity of Puketi is under threat from voracious introduced animals and plants and from development. Concerned residents wanted to help care for the forest. In November 2009 DOC ranger Dan O’Halloran facilitated the first meeting of the Puketi Forest Weedbusters. The group now has four regular members who meet once a month.

Our first project was to clear honeysuckle and gorse from a small area on the boundary of Puketi and neighbouring farmland. The job initially seemed a big undertaking for only dozen hands. Existing seedlings were freed, kikuyu was sprayed and died back, saplings from the Kerikeri shadehouse were planted with the rain and now this area can sustain itself again.

Pine trees on private land opposite the campground are due to be felled. Weedbusters have been preparing the ground and planting flaxes along the boundary to protect the views and amenity of the campground until the forestry operation is complete.

Pirau Ridge road is part of the Te Araroa Trail. Parts of this road are unsightly with gorse and tobacco weed. Dan suggested, and the weedbusters enthusiastically agreed, that it would be lovely to restore this area to showcase some of the many plant species that are unique to Puketi. This is an ambitious endeavour and more hands would be welcome!

If you would like to join the Puketi Forest Weedbusters please contact Dan O’Halloran through the Kerikeri DOC Area Office.

More information about Puketi Forest can be found at www.doc.govt.nz . The Puketi Forest Trust has been working with DOC to control pest animals. If you would like more information, or would like to join Puketi Forest Trust please visit www.puketi.org.nz .