Otaki TodayIt might look pretty in pink, but the Argentinian pampas growing along the Kāpiti expressway is a pest.
The reason motorists are seeing pink pampas along the Mackays to Peka Peka section of the expressway is because NTZA/Waka Kotahi contractors have been spraying it with weed-killer. Pink dye is added to indicate it’s not to be touched by the public.
NZTA is required to manage pest plants across the highway corridor. When plants were put in as the expressway was being built, the aim was to achieve about 80 percent coverage. However some weed infestation inevitably occurs until the new plants are fully established.
Being an invasive species that needs to be controlled, NZTA received additional funding to carry out the work that’s currently under way on the Mackays to Peka Peka section.
As the Peka Peka to Ōtaki section is newer, infestation is limited. However, pampas grass has been found and the planting contractor has sprayed some to kill it and prevent its spread.
The spray used is made by Kiwicare and is called Weed Weapon Extra Strength. It is used to control pampas in other areas by other contractors, such as Waikato Regional Council and New Zealand Biosecurity Services.
NZTA says proper care is taken to ensure spraying doesn't affect the public. Maintenance crews stop work when any shared path users are coming towards them, let them pass safely and then continue working. Spraying is done only in good weather. Any pest plant on the path's edge is cut out first and then controlled afterwards.
“Because weed spray is toxic, we ask the public not to touch pampas grass after it has been sprayed,” NZTA lower North Island/top of the south regional manager Mark Owen says. “It might look pretty, but it’s a pest species.
“It’s essential that path users do not remove it or take cuttings to plant elsewhere. Preventing the spread of this invasive weed is important.”
Pampas is often mistaken for the native toetoe. The heads of pampas are thicker and fluffier than toetoe, and stick straight up. They can be white, cream, pink or purple in colour. Toetoe heads are a light golden colour and droop.
Pampas also start flowering in autumn, although old heads can last most of the year. Toetoe plants flower during spring and summer.
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