Northland Communities Mobilize Against "Triffid-Like" Moth Plant Invasion

A Northland Regional Council competition has seen communities remove 10,000 pods and 13,000 vines of the invasive moth plant to protect native ecosystems.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:17 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Competitive Fight for the Ecosystem

The competition, which began on February 23 and runs until May 15, incentivizes the removal of moth plant pods and root-pulled vines. Community groups, such as the Waimahanga Track Action Group, are using the event to fund further restoration projects. "We really want the money to buy more natives to plant towards restoring our local ecosystem," said coordinator Chrissie Stephenson. As of mid-April, the NRC reported 114 active entries, with the largest single haul from one participant totaling over 6,300 pods and vines.

Why the Moth Plant is a "Mega" Threat

Northland’s warm, frost-free, and windy climate makes it the national epicentre for this South American vine. The plant's danger lies in its efficiency:

Rapid Spread: A single pod can contain up to 1,000 wind-borne seeds.

Smothering Growth: The vines act like "triffids," rapidly climbing and suffocating native tree canopies.