Moth Plant Removal Heroes – Paengaroa & Te Puke Schools Win Big

Over the past month, rangatahi across the region took to Moth Pod Challenge 2025 to stand up to the spread of moth plant (Araujia hortorum) – an aggressive, fast-growing vine that is known to strangle and out-compete native plants; but thanks to our local schools and community groups, over 5000 moth pods were removed before they had a chance to spread!

Each pod can release hundreds of seeds, making this pest plant a serious threat to our native ecosystems. Image Source: Maketū Ongatoro Wetland Society.

At the Maketū Ongatoro Wetland Society (MOWS) Weed Workshop on Saturday 14th of June, the results of the Moth Plant Pod Challenge were announced, with Paengaroa School and Te Puke Intermediate Eco holding the honour of top collectors in the school category!

Prize Winners – Schools Category:

• 1st Place: Paengaroa School – 1600 pods

• 2nd Place: Te Puke Intermediate Eco Learning Centre – 429 pods

Prize Winners – Community Category:

• 1st: The Wilson whānau – a whopping 2056 pods

• 2nd: Skye, Aspen, and Piper – 626 pods

• 3rd: Ryder – 60 pods

  
  

Spot Prize Winners: Ocean, Tom and Ekya

Even though the challenge is over, moth pods are still out there. Keep collecting and disposing of them! If you need help identifying the moth plant, check out the video below: https://youtu.be/eYZtOeLnvaI

According to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website, these plants are poisonous and can cause dermatitis.

Lean More or Help Out at the Maketū Wetland Society

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Acknowledgements: A big thank you to Raven Nicholas and Awhina Awhimate for running the workshop, and Janie Stevenson (janie@maketuwetlands.org.nz) the prizegiving and sharing of the event details.

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