Serious Situation !

These invasive plants choke the Taramakau River on the West Coast of the South Island.

Crack Willow

Crack Willow is taking over all of the river banks lakes and wetlands on the Coast. Crack Willow was probably introduced by farmers for creek stability. In just a few short years our beautiful rivers instead of being lined with native trees and flowers are becoming overun by invasive species.

Fibbing to Tourists!

Tourists both international and domestic come here not to see the wasted rivers of the Canterbury plains nor the Waikato. Tourists come here especially to see clean, green and above all the last remnants of "Pure" New Zealand. Going, going gone?

Responsibilities

I spoke to the Department of Conservation Regional Office about dealing with this. DoC was very honest about it. They simply do not have the budget to deal with the scale of this problem. The fact is the Government has huge budget surpluses and yet it allows this mess to prevail. Worse, it continues to advertise its pure message! The government must do something about this now!

Photos on this page taken by Unpure New Zealand copyright©2007unpure New Zealand

 

 

 

"The 100% Pure New Zealand brand does establish a level of expectation among potential visitors that New Zealand's natural environment will be clean and well cared for. Government, and our tourism agencies, recognize the importance of the natural environment in fulfilling New Zealand's marketing promise. This creates an incentive for all of New Zealand to take action to ensure we live up to the 100% Pure New Zealand promise."

Damien O'Connor, New Zealands Minister of Tourism
In reply to us 4 Dec 2007

 

Rivers in Peril - Out of control invasive trees and plants

Invasive Plants in Taramakau River

Crack Willow invades vital wetlands - Harris Swamp, West Coast.

Crack Willow invades Harris Swamp

 

More Rivers

| Gorse Invasion | Hydro Schemes | Didymo |