For some years Pat Skelly has been a strong advocate for the removal of weed species from Te Aroha Domain.

Under her guidance, a small group of volunteers has been working since 1999 to get rid of the plant and tree pests in the reserve area in Te Aroha and on and around the mountain. They work with different groups of volunteers in restoring this area that has been devastated by mining, clearing of native vegetation, planting of exotic trees, fires and floods.

Some of the problems in the area are cattle escaping from nearby farms and trampling new plants, wild goats, well established areas of weeds, vandalism, theft of new plants and trees and a lack of support from local residents and organisations.

The group has made a good start with weed clearing and replanting and is slowly returning the Domain and mountain area to a beautiful native reserve.

Pat continues to advocate for weed clearance, ensuring that this issue stays in the spotlight for both local and regional councils.