Plant Me Instead: Protecting our natural spaces
Did you know many of the Aotearoa/New Zealand’s worst invasive weeds started out as ornamental garden plants?
Overtime, these plants have ‘jumped the fence’ and gone wild spreading rapidly and choking out native ecosystems. Today, councils, government agencies, landowners and spends millions of dollars and volunteers thousands of hours trying to control them.
But you can help stop the spread – starting in your own backyard.
Chose the right plants – make a big difference
The Plant Me Instead booklets highlight the worst environmental weeds in your region and offers locally available alternatives—both native and non-native—that are non-invasive and beautiful. Whether you’re designing a new garden or replacing weedy plants, these guides help you plant smarter.
Why it matters
Replacing invasive plants helps:
- Protect native wildlife and habitats.
- Safeguard waterways and wetlands.
- Reduce the cost of weed control.
- Lower fire risks in rural and urban areas.
- Support community conservation efforts.
Small changes in your garden can make a big impact for generations to come.
Be part of the solution
- Avoid planting species known to escape.
- Replace existing invasive plants with safer alternatives.
- Share this knowledge with friends, neighbours, and local groups.
- Choose native plants where possible—they belong here and support local wildlife without causing a problem.
Available Booklets
Access and download the booklet relevant to your region below
Northland
- Northland (PDF, 5.01 MB)
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Auckland
- Auckland (PDF, 2.93 MB)
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Manawatū-Whanganui
- Manawatū-Whanganui (PDF, 3.93 MB)
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Taranaki
- Taranaki (PDF, 3.93 MB)
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Bay of Plenty
- Bay of Plenty (PDF, 4.46 MB)
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Waikato
- Waikato (PDF, 3.83 MB)
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Gisborne
- Gisborne (PDF, 2.50 MB)
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Hawkes Bay
- Hawkes Bay (PDF, 2.50 MB)
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Wellington
- Wellington (PDF, 3.10 MB)
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Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough
- Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough (PDF, 5.43 MB)
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West Coast
- West Coast (PDF, 5.43 MB)
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Canterbury
- Canterbury (PDF, 2.50 MB)
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Otago
- Otago (PDF, 2.50 MB)
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Southland
- Southland (PDF, 2.12 MB)
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