Prize-winners in Moth Plant Competition
Posted on June 06, 2019
Several Macleans College students entered the Pest Free Auckland Moth Plant competition in April.
Their goal was to collect as many seed pods as possible to prevent spreading of the introduced species. The competition took place in autumn when the invasive noxious weed produces large pods filled with seeds.
The Moth Plant is a vine which climbs high in the branches of trees so the collection of pods can be a challenge. Howick Local Board hosted the regional prizegiving at Howick College. Representatives of the Auckland Council and Howick Local Board spoke about the importance of eradicating pests in New Zealand and the vital role that our citizen scientist can play in this enormous task.
Amy Skidmore (Rutherford House) and Ellie Nugent (Mansfield) formed Team ‘Moth-er-land Protectors’ which won third prize with an impressive collection of 1500 pods.
‘The Little Moths’ team of Rachana Rajeev (Hillary) and Matthew Middlebrook (Hillary) collected 600 pods and were presented with an award for their contribution.
The students were commended for their contribution to the restoration of local ecosystems.
