Wilding Pines or Conifers (Pinus spp. , Douglas fir, Maritime pine or Radiata pine) are a national problem, they overwhelm our native landscapes, they suck the soil dry and their mulch and canopy discourages our native plants from growing. They are a real risk in areas where there is no native bush, they modify the natural ecosystems so much that our unique New Zealand landscape is lost and native plants and animals are evicted or die.

Climbing Asparagus and its allies (Asparagus scandens, A. asparagoides, A. aethiopicus) smothers the forest floor and under-story preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings. As it climbs it can ringbark and kill soft-barked shrubs and trees. These plant pests can live in dry poor soils and out- compete more delicate native species on the ground as well as our already vulnerable epiphytes.

Woolly Nightshade or Tobacco Plant (Solanum mauritianum) poisons the soil, which inhibits our native species from growing. It matures quickly, producing a purple flower which soon yields yellow fruit that birds find attractive and readily spread. The berries are moderately toxic to people (especially children) and to livestock. The leaves shed fine hairs when touched, which irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat and in some cases cause trouble with breathing.