Policies

Spray Policy

As a native forest restoration society, Nga Uruora - Kapiti Project has adopted a policy of avoiding the use of chemicals for weed control. We have always relied on hand weeding and digging out the roots. The only exception has been the use of Vigilant gel which we brush on cut stumps to kill boxthorn, boneseed, gorse, elder, etc. However we have recently found that some weeds are very difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate by hand weeding methods.

In some cases the weed covers such a large area and is growing so fast that manual methods cannot cope. An example is cape ivy: there is a big infestation of cape ivy on the hillside opposite Fisherman’s Table. It grows over the bush slowly killing it, and prevents any native seedlings from growing. It must be removed and eradicated if we are to have any chance of restoring the native bush. Spraying with RoundUp is effective in killing off cape ivy.

Sometimes weeds are shade tolerant and grow under the native bush, preventing the growth of native seedlings. An example is Tradescantia (Wandering Willie), where we have a large infestation in the A.T. Clarke Reserve. It forms a carpet under the bush, preventing regeneration. Hand weeding of Tradescantia is never completely effective, but spraying with Roundup can eradicate it.

There are also many weeds that compete with the native seedlings that we plant, and we need to remove these weeds in order to give the natives a chance to grow. Very often the weeds have intricate root systems or large tap roots impossible to dig out. The only way of removing them is to spray with a weedkiller such as Roundup which is translocated to the roots and kills them in situ.

For these reasons Nga Uruora - Kapiti Project will consent to spraying under strictly limited conditions. In each case Nga Uruora – Kapiti Project will follow the following protocols:

• First the need for spraying must be researched by way of communication with experienced departments, such as GW and DOC.
• Follow the recommended spraying methods laid down by Growsafe.
• Investigate any existing spray trials to find the optimum method of control.
• Minimize the amount of spraying by waiting for the right time of year.
• Use sprays with biodegradable residues only.
• Never spray in streams, protect natives from the spray as far as possible, and spray only in calm weather conditions.
• Only use small scale backpack sprays ourselves and only by Growsafe-trained operators.

Spraying will only be done after the Nga Uruora - Kapiti Project Committee is fully satisfied that all above conditions will be met.

NGA URUORA – KAPITI PROJECT COMMITTEE

Carbon-offset Planting

Nga Uruora carries out contract planting for businesses and individuals who are wanting to offset carbon emissions. We do this in the understanding that:

• The actual "offset" from our sites may be minimal because of the low growth rates
• The companies and individuals involved are aware of this
• The plantings we undertake are consistent with the conservation objectives and vision of Nga Uruora - Kapiti Project.

Nga Uruora places emphasis on reducing carbon emissions

NGA URUORA – KAPITI PROJECT COMMITTEE