2612 days ago

Keeping the Bathurst bur out of our backyard: Quick info about regional pests

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Bathurst bur (Xanthium spinosum) is actually from South America and accidentally made its way to Australia in the early 1800s where it got its name. From there it crossed the pond where it now contaminates wool, breaks shearing combs, cause skin irritations and dermatitis, and poisons stock – a true nasty!

With fifteen active control sites in the Wairarapa, some farms have thousands of plants on them! However, the plant is still relatively rare in the Wellington region and we plan to keep it that way.

Our pest plants team work hard on the fifteen sites to minimise the impact of this pest on people and livestock.

So if you see a plant with hundreds of straw-coloured burs, each 1.0–1.5 cm long, with many yellow hooked spines you’ve probably got Bathurst bur and our team wants to know about it and they’ll control it for free – to put those Aussies in their place!
Contact pest.plants@gw.govt.nz if you think you've seen it.

More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 5.1% Second half of November
    5.1% Complete
  • 41.1% 1st December
    41.1% Complete
  • 17.9% A week before Christmas
    17.9% Complete
  • 34.6% Whenever you wish
    34.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
547 votes
1 day ago

Riddle Me This, Neighbours! Bet You Can’t Guess It!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Sometimes narrow, sometimes wide, wind or rain, I stay outside.
Even if there’s heat or snow, from house to house I will still go.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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N
7 hours ago

The Owhiro Bay Country Fair

Nina from Island Bay

The Owhiro Bay Country Fair is on this Sunday 24 November from 10.30am to 2.30pm at 96 Happy Valley Road, Wellington.
You, your family, friends - EVERYONE is invited.
See you there!