Students boost community weed busting efforts

It’s the season when weeds go berserk. Luckily WITT’s Pest Operation students are ready to take their highly valuable skills out into the bush, helping local community groups keep pesky invasive plants and pests under control.

A day of volunteering in Inglewood last week gave the students another chance to put their learning into practice.

“Our awesome WITT team of Pest Operations learners were out in full force, tackling all things invasive at the beautiful local PG Nops Reserve in Inglewood,” says tutor Dan Waterson.

“They teamed up with Gonzo from Taranaki Regional Council’s Weedbusters team, alongside two incredibly knowledgeable and passionate retired community volunteers.  These two dedicate their time to keeping predator numbers down and helping eliminate invasive pest plants and weeds,” Dan says.

WITT’s team eradicated a bamboo infestation, while others tackled wild cherry trees and tradescantia. Another team got stuck into re-setting, re-baiting, and maintaining the predator control trap line throughout the reserve.

“It was a great opportunity for our learners to work alongside people who share a genuine passion for protecting our natural environment, while getting hands-on experience in the important work that goes into caring for our regional reserves,” says Dan.

“But perhaps the most rewarding part was seeing people from different generations, backgrounds and walks of life coming together with one common purpose - protecting the places we all value. Young and old, experienced and those just starting out, all working side by side, sharing knowledge, getting stuck in, and making a difference.”

“Our urban reserves are precious, fragile environments, and protecting them takes a collective effort. Days like these are a great reminder that conservation isn’t just about the work we do, it’s about the people who come together to make it happen.”

“A massive thanks to Gonzo and our two community volunteers Bill and Bob, for sharing their knowledge, passion, and time with us. And a huge shout-out to my learners for getting stuck in and representing WITT’s Pest Operations sector so well.”

The students who took part are enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3). This is a one semester, full-time, fees free programme.

Enrolments are open now for next year’s intake starting February 22.