Hunters asked to watch for weeds this roar

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 March 2026

DOC Biosecurity Technical Advisor Connor Hines says invasive weeds like common heather, gorse, and broom are very harmful for our native bush, and can quickly get out of control once they get established.

“DOC has recently had reports of these species at some remote South Island sites, including on Rakiura/Stewart Island, Fiordland, South Westland, and Southland,” says Connor.

“Invasive weeds can outcompete native plants and animals and completely change ecosystems, if left unchecked. And if these weeds take over the landscape, it will also wreck the hunting experience.

“Getting early reports is massively helpful, since rangers can get in and sort the weeds out before they really take hold and become a major problem.

“We’re after reports of things that look out of place – sites where it looks like the invasive weed is just getting established and DOC wouldn’t know about it already.

“If you find an invasive weed somewhere unexpected, sightings can be recorded through the iNaturalist app, or by emailing info@doc.govt.nz with a photo and waypoint or detailed location.

“iNaturalist is great because it’s easy – you take the photo in the app, it uploads with exact coordinates, and we get an alert directly. But we realise not everyone has the app so, if you prefer to email, pictures and detailed location information are crucial. It’s a big wilderness out there.

“Only pull the weed out if you’re certain you’ve identified it correctly and can get all the roots – otherwise just report it. And, if you pull it out, please bring the flowers and seed pods into the local DOC office, along with a location, so we know where to follow-up.”

Connor says since DOC staff can’t be everywhere, and hunters can help by providing valuable intel from New Zealand’s special backcountry places, as well as by cleaning gear to prevent the spread.

“Over the coming weeks hunters will be getting out to enjoy the roar in some really remote pieces of wilderness where few others go naturing. Before you head out, please give your gear – especially your boots, pockets, and tent – a good check and thorough clean for seeds and other biosecurity risks, to prevent accidentally spreading something.

“One of the South Westland sites we’ve seen weeds pop up at recently is a designated helicopter landing zone for hunting trips. We know no one wants to accidentally spread weeds around, so taking a minute give your gear a good check is a small action to make a big difference.”

Hunters are reminded to please follow the Arms Code and remember the basics of good hunting – get a hunting permit, remember there might be others around, share huts and tracks with other users, hunt safely and manage firearms and dead animals carefully.

Background information

Heather is a green shrub that grows to about 90 cm tall and can be identified by its woody, wiry stems, small green to brown leaves that are longer than they are wide, and pink to purple bell-shaped flowers between December and March. It’s well established in many parts of the North Island and is a particular issue in Tongariro National Park. Heather is cold tolerant and can quickly take over subalpine areas. Heather has tiny seeds smaller than a sesame seed which can be easily overlooked and accidentally spread if equipment isn’t thoroughly checked and cleaned.

Gorse is a spiny shrub up to 3 m tall which has yellow flowers (typically in May to November). It grows quickly and produces large amounts of hardy seeds that can live a long time in the soil. Gorse can survive in a wide variety of habitats and soil types.

From September to April, broom looks similar to gorse from a distance thanks to its golden yellow flowers. The woody green shrub, which grows to about 2.5 m, is a prolific seeder which tolerates a wide range of temperatures and changes nitrogen levels in the soil, which changes the types of plants which can grow in the areas it is found.

Contact

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/26/hunters-asked-to-watch-for-weeds-this-roar/