A small group of six reliable enthusiastic dedicated volunteers (all over sixty years of age) meet on the second and fourth Monday mornings of every month to battle with nature and try and keep the Kerikeri Stone Store Basin Area free from the worst effects of common noxious weeds such as Taiwan Cherry, Tobacco weed, Privet, Jasmine, Honeysuckle and Tradescantia (Wandering Jew).

I personally raised approximately $2,000 from local sources for a good scrub-bar and the associated protective clothing – SPOKSSA, the FNDC and the NRC were the major contributors. This equipment has significantly improved our capability and effectiveness. We work on DoC land all over the Stone Store Basin, but recently we have concentrated in particular on the western end of the open parkland on the north side of the Kerikeri River, clearing the area of the heavy infestation of honeysuckle etc. so that the land can be mown and access is available to the public. This is a huge task that will keep the group busy for some time, but we find our progress exciting and very satisfying.



Nominated by: Heather Taylor, Department of Conservation