Envirohub Bay of Plenty is calling on the community to take action against one of the region’s most persistent invasive weeds through its annual Moth Plant Pod Competition.

As part of Envirohub’s Space for Nature programme, the competition invites individuals, schools, whānau and community groups to collect pods, keep them contained so they can’t burst and spread – and drop them at a weigh-in event on May 17.

Rose Riley of Space for Nature said the competition was aimed at preventing the spread of the damaging pest plant across local ecosystems.

She said moth plant is a fast-growing, invasive vine that smothers native vegetation and spreads rapidly through wind-dispersed seeds.

“Each pod can contain hundreds to thousands of seeds, meaning every pod removed has a direct and measurable impact on reducing future infestations.

“We know how passionate our community is about protecting our environment,” Riley said.

“This competition is a simple but powerful way for people to get involved. Every pod collected is a step towards healthy biodiversity.”

Participants can collect pods from their backyard and local areas and take them to the collection point at Envirohub’s base at 31B Glasgow St, Tauranga, from 10am on May 17.

“The sticky milk from the plant is a skin irritant, so cover up and wear gloves,” Riley said.

Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, recognising individual and group efforts.

The May 17 event will run from 10am-3pm, and also provides opportunity to hear from pest plant expert Dave Grimmer from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, to learn more about biodiversity and pest plant management.

“The event also highlights the importance of ongoing pest plant control and community-led environmental stewardship,” Riley said.

“This is hands-on environmental action that anyone can take part in. By working together, we can significantly reduce the spread of moth plant and protect our native biodiversity for future generations.”

The Space for Nature Moth Plant Pod Competition is open now. For more information on how to participate, including collection guidelines and event details, visit: https://envirohub.org.nz/event/moth-plant-pod-competition