A major battle is underway in Central Otago to try save the iconic natural landscape from being overrun by wilding pines.
Campaigners say the "tree weeds" are starting to take over the Wakatipu area, around Queenstown, threatening native plants and birds.
The small, green trees dotting the landscape are described as "eco-terrorists".
Seed from pine plantations is spread in strong winds, allowing seedlings to invade and smother the alpine high country.
"You get this monotone forest where you've got no bird life," says Peter Willsman of the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group. "You lose all your tussock, your alpine lands, your basic alpine flora and fauna."
The area was cleared of wilding pines five years ago. But prime soil and climate conditions have helped the young trees grow at five times the normal rate.
A range of groups are now coming together to fund an intensive $5-million campaign to try and stop their spread.
"If you don't start on it, it'll just get worse," says Paul Allison of the Central Lakes Trust. "So now's the time to make the biggest impact and try and get this under control, so that future generations can really enjoy what we've been able to over many decades."
The Department of Conservation and the Government are also investing in the fighting fund.
National MP Maggie Barry admits some people don't see the problem in letting the trees grow freely.
"These Douglas Firs are pretty Christmas trees and we shouldn't be taking them out," says Ms Barry. "We're not against trees; we love trees. But you've got too much of a good thing with these. And they spread and they take over."
A variety of eradication methods are used in the remote locations. Some of the young trees are manually cut down, while other areas are sprayed with chemicals from the air or on land.
But eradicating pines to stop the spread of wild seeds can have a negative impact on the landscape.
"It doesn't look good," says Mr Willsman. "Skipper's doesn't look good. No one's proud of it. But if we don't do it then the next generation and our grandchildren are going to lose New Zealand as it is, and as it was."
He says the invasive pest is just as bad for New Zealand as gorse or rats. The control group will tackle 73,000 hectares around the Wakatipu Basin over the next four years.
3 News
source: newshub archive
