Community Comes Together for the 2026 Weed Swap
PFHWOver the weekend of Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May 2026, the community once again showed up in force for the annual Pest Free Howick Weed Swap — with more than 130 people taking part across the two days.
Residents from across the Howick Ward brought along moth plant pods, seedlings, vines and other invasive weeds to safely dispose of, helping protect our local parks, reserves, backyards and waterways from the spread of harmful pest plants. In exchange, participants received free plants to help restore biodiversity at home and support a healthier local environment.
This year’s event collected an incredible 2,040kg of invasive weeds, all of which were transported to a hot composting facility for safe disposal.
Proper disposal is a critical part of controlling weeds such as moth plant. Many invasive weeds can continue to spread even after they have been pulled from the ground. Seed pods, vines and fragments can survive in home compost bins, green waste piles, or landfill conditions, allowing seeds to germinate and infest new areas. Hot composting facilities reach temperatures high enough to destroy seeds and plant material, preventing further spread and ensuring these weeds are disposed of responsibly.
Events like the Weed Swap are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the community works together. Every pod removed, every seedling pulled and every weed safely disposed of helps reduce the spread of invasive species and creates more space for native plants and wildlife to thrive.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated, volunteered, donated plants, and helped make the weekend such a success. Your efforts are helping create a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations.
Together, we are making a real difference for te taiao across the Howick Ward.
