Hunters operating in New Zealand's remote places during the roar are being asked to keep an eye out for invasive weeds and report any sightings, and to clean their gear before heading out.
DOC Biosecurity Technical Advisor Connor Hines says invasive weeds like common heather, gorse, and broom are very harmful for our native bush, and can quickly get out of control once they get established.
"DOC has recently had reports of these species at some remote South Island sites, including on Rakiura/Stewart Island, Fiordland, South Westland, and Southland," says Connor.
"Invasive weeds can outcompete native plants and animals and completely change ecosystems, if left unchecked. And if these weeds take over the landscape, it will also wreck the hunting experience.
"Getting early reports is massively helpful, since rangers can get in and sort the weeds out before they really take hold and become a major problem.
"We're after reports of things that look out of place – sites where it looks like the invasive weed is just getting established and DOC wouldn't know about it already.
