A local competition is on to help stop the spread of moth plant weed, with prizes up for grabs for those who can collect the most pods.

Moth plant is a fast-growing, invasive weed that can smother native plants, trap native bugs and has poisonous sap that can irritate skin.

The vine has small white and pink flowers between December and May and large green pods full of hundreds of seeds in autumn. When the pods burst, these white fluffy seeds disperse with the wind and sprout into new plants.

“Moth plant is commonly seen in our community climbing shelterbelts, fences and native trees in gullies. It is spreading through the Bay of Plenty and poses a huge threat to our natural environment,” said a Maketū Wetlands spokesperson.

Maketū Wetlands (MOWS) is running its Moth Pod Challenge 2025 until June 10, where the top three moth plant pod collectors will take home prizes valued at more than $1500. Schools are invited to join in, with separate prizes for top entries.

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest collections of moth pods.

The prizegiving will be held at a Pest Plant Workshop in Maketū on Saturday, June 14, where participants can learn more about our most common pest plants and how to get rid of them.

It’s recommended to wear long sleeves and gloves to collect the pods as the sap can irritate skin. Maketū Wetlands will supply gloves if needed.

Competition entrants are advised to pull out the roots of the plant if possible, so that the vine dies. Pods should be photographed and then counted as they are put into a rubbish bag. To enter the competition, send photos to Maketū Wetlands and dispose of the pods in a red landfill rubbish bin.

For more information, check out the Maketū Wetlands facebook page and website or contact awhina@maketuwetlands.org.nz