Check out the photos of iconic kiwi holiday spot Karikari Peninsula, where Weedbusters are at work to reverse the impact of Melianthus major, Cape honey flower on the coast, and sand dune scenic and ecosystem values.

Tokerau Beach Weedbusters have used loppers rather than herbicide in their control efforts at this popular beach, which means an inevitable regrowth after the initial cutting. Cape honey flower stores energy in starchy roots, and root fragments re-grow and sucker. However after an initial lopper attack regrowth is soft and green and easily knocked back again with a grubber.

It has soft-wood hollow stems to 2m high and is a weed throughout Australia. In the far north this plant takes over open spaces such as dunes and paddocks. It is smelly and poisonous to stock, and native birds can get sick from the nectar. The seeds are largely spread by water and movement of soil from one place to another, and roots will sucker and re-grow from garden dumping.

For advice on removing Cape honey flower from your favourite beach, and replanting with locally sourced species such as Muehlenbeckia, flax and pohutukawa - contact NRC, DOC or the Far North Environment Centre.