Alligator weed near North Piha Campers’ Club, rainy day 5 March

Over Christmas noticed Alligator Weed in Garden Road at the Lily Pond. This is a particularly terrible “world’s worst” aquatic weed that flourishes in NZ climate, clogs waterways and spreads easily.

Followed up with other waterways and found it in the Wekatahi and Marawhara Streams – easily visible on both sides of road bridges over North Piha Road. It is a bright green mat with small white clover-like flowers.

Brought it to the attention of Auckland Council Biosecurity and it coincided with another report. Expect to see it being dealt to in the near future. This needs to be urgently brought under control or it will spread through waterways and wetlands at Piha.