Invasive weeds are reshaping New Zealand’s landscapes, threatening native biodiversity and costing communities time, money and resources.

The good news? People make a difference. Raising awareness is the first step to inspiring local action and long-term change.

If we want people to take action against weeds, we need to help them understand the problem and feel empowered to help.

Whether you’re a teacher, community leader, work for your local council, or are a passionate resident, here are some practical ideas to get your community talking and acting on weeds.

Why raise awareness?

Weeds don’t just pull themselves out! To protect our natural environment, we need people who care and know:

• What weeds are and why they’re a problem
• How they spread
• What they can do to help.

Activities to get people involved

Host a community Weedbusting event

Organise a working bee at your local park, stream, wetland or beach. Make sure you:

• Provide tools, spare gloves and refreshments for volunteers
• Promote the event
• Thank the participants and celebrate the results.

Run a weeds awareness campaign

Spread the word using:

• Posters, brochures, and flyers.
• Talks from local weedy experts at schools or local clubs.
• Newsletter stories or letters to the editor.
• Radio interviews or short community updates.
• Social media series on weed IDs or tips and tricks.

Plant swaps

Encourage weed removal by offering native plant giveaways in return, this is a great way to promote better gardening choices.

Present to the community

Present to local clubs, schools, or existing groups (e.g. gardening groups, tramping clubs, Rotary, Forest & Bird branches, Landcare Groups). Include photos, plant samples or giveaways and tailor the talk to your local area.

Set up a weeds display

Create a visual display with posters, fact sheets, weed samples at high traffic location like libraries, shopping malls, agricultural shows, gardening shows, garden and nursery centres.

Organise a Weed Walk

Host a guided walk through a weedy area or a restoration site. Invite an expert to help with plant ID and make it interactive – encourage questions and photo sharing.

Family fun day

This is a perfect way to get families involved. Include activities such as a BBQ, nature games, face painting, giveaways, a ‘weed treasure hunt’, tree planting or storytelling.

Use local media

Contact your local media about your upcoming event; particularly if there are good photo opportunities.

Weed of the month

Promote one weed each month with a photo and short story, control tops, what to plant instead. Post in community newsletters, noticeboards, or local Facebook groups.

Promote weeds issues during national events like World Wetland Day, International Biodiversity Day or Conservation Week.

Hot tips for raising awareness

• Collaborate – team up with councils, schools, or environmental groups.
• Tailor your message – know your audience and speak their language.
• Offer incentives such as free plants, BBQs, and prizes.
• Tell the full story – explain the “what, why, how, and what next”.
• Be realistic – awareness is just the first step and removing barriers is key to behaviour change.
• Lead with passion – your energy will inspire others.