WEED THREAT

Residents are being urged to take special care to prevent the spread of the invasive aquatic weed gypsywort from the Te Paki area amid fears it could threaten other high value waterbodies and wetlands in the Far North. The threat from gypsywort is being taken so seriously the Department of Conservation (DOC) has closed public access to Te Paki’s Te Werahi Lagoon. Gypsywort is a mint-like plant, up to a metre tall, with square stems, toothed paired leaves and tiny white or pale mauve flowers. Spokesperson Lisa Forester says the plant forms dense patches on the edges of lakes, streams and wetlands smothering and displacing native plants. Hunters are being asked to take special care to ensure they don’t spread gypsywort and other aquatic weeds. Report any sightings to 0800 002 004.