Keeping the Bathurst bur out of our backyard: Quick info about regional pests
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.
Here's Tuesday's teaser!
I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. 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.
Prime Minister delivering apology
On Tuesday 12 November, the Prime Minister will deliver a public apology to survivors of abuse in care in Parliament.
You can register your interest to attend the event in Parliament, or if you want to watch it with friends, whānau or a support person you can attend an event at the Due Drops Event Centre in Auckland, Shed 6 in Wellington or the Christchurch Town Hall.
Contact the Crown Response Unit today:
Phone: 0800 717 017 (8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday)
Email: contact@abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz
Registration closes 4.30pm Monday 30 September.
Accommodation, travel and food costs will be covered. Travel assistance will be provided in forms of air travel, petrol vouchers, gift cards, and train, and bus tickets.
Poll: What does 'Kei te pēhea koe' mean?
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Maori Language Week) is upon us and we always love to get involved.
Add your vote to the poll and share a phrase in te Reo Māori below to be in to win a $25 Prezzy card.
-
4.3% You are finally here
-
86.5% How are you (feeling)?
-
1.4% There are two fish
-
7.7% Pass the salt, please
Loading…
