MPC Achiemvents 2025
PFHWThis year’s Moth Plant Pod Competition has officially come to a close — and with it, a record-breaking effort from across the Howick Ward.
With 42 teams registered (including 5 early childhood centres, 18 schools, and 19 open category teams), the 2025 competition saw an incredible:
- 72,922 pods and 173,380 seedlings removed
- 246,302 total plants removed — a 92.92% increase on last year
- An estimated 6.1 billion moth plant pod seeds stopped from entering the environment
What made 2025 so special was not only the numbers, but the deepening of community involvement. This year, entire schools were encouraged to register, giving tamariki and rangatahi the opportunity to champion environmental education and action throughout their wider communities.
Top Performers by Category:
ECE:
- 3rd: Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten (844)
- 2nd: Cascades Kindergarten (4,397)
- 1st: KiNZ Mission Heights (5,862)
Schools:
- 4th: BOS Pod Challengers, Baverstock Oaks (4,561)
- 3rd: Go the Waka, Howick College (7,032)
- 2nd: Howick Primary Moth Busters (12,275)
- 1st: Pakuranga Heights School — 16,954 pods & seedlings removed
Open Category:
- 5th: Bye Bye Moth Pod (3,910)
- 4th: Mission Green (11,662)
- 3rd: CFBC (34,406)
- 2nd: Pak Heights Pod Squad (51,963) + thickest vine (9cm!)
- 1st: Moth Out — a staggering 71,713 pods & seedlings removed
We also acknowledged two remarkable individuals — Beccy Long and Geoff Stott — for their long-term contributions and advocacy.
This competition continues to grow stronger each year, thanks to passionate volunteers, educators, and eco-conscious families. Many teams will carry their momentum forward as part of the Pest Free Howick Ward Halos, helping our communities flourish free of invasive weeds.
We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who took part — you are the heart of this movement.
