Joe Arts and sister Nicky, both residents of Huntsbury Hill, are absolutely dedicated boneseed weedbusters on local CCC reserve land, roadside reserve or wherever they find boneseed growing.

In 2005 and 2006 when local community boneseed busting events were being held, Joe and Nicky not only came for the 2 hour public boneseed weeding sessions, they contributed hours delivering brochures prior to the public events and helping with the agency (CCC, DoC and ECan) street removal events on Cashmere and Huntsbury Hill.

Prior to and since this time, Joe and Nicky have spent considerable time following up on boneseed seedling establishment in the area and working on systematically clearing it from an infestation in a neighbouring reserve, where other weeds such as Banana passionfruit also come under the saw when found.

Joe is also an avid eliminator of gorse seedlings in the tussock grasslands on the Port Hills. Many a patch of gorse has had its chances cut, with Joe vigilantly wandering around the hills with saw and vigilant gel in hand.

Thanks Joe and Nicky for the numerous hours you have put in over the years and continue to put in to try and eliminate boneseed from the area.

Nominated by: Di Carter, Port Hills Ranger, Christchurch City Council