Ā mātou tikanga patu tarutaru Why and how we control weeds

Why we control weeds

We manage over 250 species of weeds in the region and control other vegetation.

We do this to:

• protect the native ecosystems and species of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
• protect and maintain council assets
• maintain infrastructure
• keep people safe
• keep places tidy
• meet our safety and environmental goals.

The Regional Pest Management Plan sets out goals and rules to manage the spread and impact of pest plants across the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region.

The Weed Management Policy sets out our objectives for weed management in parks and open spaces, including road corridors.

The policy defines a weed as an unwanted or 'pest' plant.

How we choose weed control methods

Our weed management policy is supported by two groups:

• Weed Management Political Advisory Group - guides us on how to apply the policy
• Weed Management Best Practice Reference Group - provides us with external technical advice.

Email weeds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to contact these groups.

We use a range of methods to control different weeds in different environments. These methods include:

• mechanical
• manual
• high-pressure steam
• hot water
• plant-based herbicide
• synthetic herbicide (including glyphosate)
• biocontrol
• no control (where no weed control is intentionally undertaken).

Read more about weed control methods

Visit Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau for more information on how to manage weeds and pest plants. 

Email our weed management team at weeds@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have any questions.

Many local boards target specific problem weeds in their areas.

Some recent examples are:

• Howick – mothplant, rhamnus
• Waitakere Ranges – climbing asparagus
• Rodney – climbing asparagus in Takatu.

We also have weed control programmes on the Hauraki Gulf islands and in our regional parks.

Volunteer in our parks

Community groups work together in and around local parks. Find out how you can volunteer in our parks.

If you do not want us to do any weed control with agrichemicals on the berm  The grass area between the road and the footpath or property boundary. Also refers to grass area between water table/drain and fence/property boundary. Property owners are typically responsible for maintaining the berm in front of their property. Also known as the verge. or park boundary of your property, you can join our no-spray register.

You can also ask to remove your property from the list if you no longer want to be on it, or are moving house.

To register, you will need to provide proof that you live at the address. You also need to agree to take over control of weeds in your street frontage, and the kerb and channel area of the road or park property boundary.