Moth Pod Challenge 2026

Sunday 1 March – Sunday 14 June 2026

The Moth Pod Challenge 2026 is now live — and it’s a brilliant opportunity for schools, whānau, and community groups to take practical action for our taiao.

Moth plant is one of the most invasive pest plants in our region. Every pod removed prevents hundreds of new plants from spreading into wetlands, dunes and native habitats.

This is hands-on, local environmental science in action — collect pods safely, reduce future infestations, and go in the draw to win prizes.

Source: Images supplied.

HOW TO JOIN THE CHALLENGE

1. Find moth plant in your backyard or community

2. Collect pods safely (wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves)

3. Count and photograph your pods (include your name, school and total collected), or drop them off at 461 Wilson Rd North, Maketū

4. Double-bag pods and send to landfill or burn if appropriate
   

Need help identifying moth plant?

Watch this: https://youtu.be/eYZtOeLnvaI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYZtOeLnvaI

PRIZE CATEGORIES

• Community Category (all ages welcome):

  1st – $300 voucher

  2nd – $150 voucher

  3rd – $50 voucher
  

• Schools Category

  Work together to collect pods — record your count.
  

  Winning class receives a $300 voucher and is featured in our newsletter + Facebook!

Workshops will also be running to support identification and safe control of moth plant and other pest species. A community pest plant workshop will be running on Sunday March 28, 2026.

Let’s work together to protect our wetlands and native habitats.

Nau mai, haere mai — all welcome.

Let’s stop the spread and protect te taiao – together.

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Acknowledgements: A big thank you to Janie Stevenson (janie@maketuwetlands.org.nz) for allowing us to repost this article.