"Because Te One is flat, uncut bush, above the flood plain, it is a rare river-terrace bush remnant. The main threat to the bush is the sycamores; although, other exotic weeds (old man’s beard, cotoneaster etc.) and possum control are also part of the group’s work. Team Te One works to rid the bush remnant of invasive exotic weeds, particularly the sycamores, allowing the bush to regenerate. This application concentrates on the sycamore effort.

Sycamore control has been the target of sustained effort over a period of eight years. Up to 2004, one work party per year of Manawatu Forest and Bird members traveled to Te One from Palmerston North. More recently, in the last two years, there have been 3-4 weekend work parties each year, of 8-15 participants.

Team Te One uses a variety of tried and tested methods, depending on the size of the sycamore. They lop, chainsaw, pull, and poison sycamores (and other exotic weeds). As they work, new weed threats are identified and targeted. Plots of areas of weed infestation are mapped.

Three years ago, at a period where the task of eliminating the sycamores seemed overwhelming, Team Te One began research and experimentation into the best methods of sycamore control, while balancing the safety needs of group members, and weighing up the risks to other species. This involved wide consultation and a lot of trial and error, as drills, plastic sprayer and drip bottles, saws, different ratios of poison and different kinds of poisons were tested ‘in the field’ for the best results. This took time, dedication, and good record keeping. This research and experimentation has really paid off, as the area which is fenced off is maintaining its regeneration at an impressive rate.

The weather can be bitterly cold up there to work in, but the warm winter fire at night and the good company of the group make up for it.

Te One is in an isolated area; therefore, transport has been a barrier. The group car-pools, saving petrol as well as preserving the environment! Come rain, hail, gales, or conversely, sweltering heat, the group has worked in full protective gear to poison, lop, pull or chainsaw the dreaded sycamores (and cotoneaster).

As I write this, after eighteen months of trying to find a local (or far-afield) firewood contractor willing to deal with the sycamore grove on the property, a contractor has been secured for the task. In the meantime, Team Te One has continued to work to protect the bush, from sycamore seedlings, to good outcome, a sign of their dedication.

Team Te One consulted closely with QE II as the covenanting process was worked through. The covenant was duly put in place in October, 2005. This was a highlight for the group, as the land they had worked so hard on for so long was now protected for all time. Last October, also, a QE II weed management plan for Te One bush remnant was initiated, in consultation with Team Te One.

In the early stages of research into the most effective methods of sycamore control, both Palmerston North DOC and Horizons District Council were consulted. Horizons members have visited the property on several occasions, in liaison with Team Te One, to assess the conservation value of the bush remnant and to lend advice on weed management and possum control.

Horizons staff were closely consulted with, last year, when Team Te One applied for Te One to become a high value conservation area, in a bid for extra support for weed control, in the form of extra funding. The high conservation value of the bush remnant was duly acknowledged, much to the pleasure and relief of Team Te One.

Rangitikei Branch of Forest and Bird have been informed of Team Te One’s work, have been invited to be involved, and members of the Rangitikei Branch have joined the group and made particularly valuable contributions. Friends of Mt. Stewart have also been consulted.

When a convenient time can be arranged, Team Te One hopes Wellington Botanical Society members will return to Te One to complete their species list. Wellington Botanical Society have supported TT in their bid for high value conservation area status.

Without the work of Team Te One, neither the covenant, nor the high value conservation status, nor the other support from Horizons would have been forthcoming. The commitment the group has demonstrated to researching most effective methods of sycamore control, to planning weed control and to weedbusting work have brought about these particular highlights.

The strong buy-in by the owners to weed control, and the strong relationship between Team Te One and the property owners is a great asset. Philip Pearce has contributed hard work and commitment over decades to the task.

The ongoing highlights are found in seeing the regeneration of the bush remnant in the fenced area, in the way the group continues to work well together as a team, and in the enjoyment of the satisfaction of the weedbusting work.

In this application, Team Te One refers to some members, all members or an individual member of the group, as Team Te One has a ‘One for all’ ethic. It also has an ‘All-for-one’ ethic: ‘the one’ being the aim of eradicating the sycamores and other exotic weeds at Te One so that this rare and beautiful bush regenerates and remains protected and bio–diverse."

Margi Mitcalfe (nominator)