There is no clearer way to define a problem than to see it stand before you.  That was exactly the intention of the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group (CWG) field trip on 29 January.  On a classically crisp Central Otago morning, Project Manager, Pete Oswald and I arrived in Alexandra, joined by CWG board members John Breen, Phil Murray, Inge Diks, Sarah Anderson, and Chair Craig Peattie. Before long, the carpark filled with an essential mix of perspectives - represe

Summary of the 3 day 2025 Wilding Pine Network Conference Twizel, 14th - 16th October See the brief 2-3 min video summaries of each day of the conference below. Full program can be seen here . Day 1 A lot about burning and grazing and trying to achieve more with inadequate funding. Day 2 (field trips) There 2 field trip options, Mt Cook and Tekapo. I went on the Tekapo filed trip, and I interviewed Will McBeth of Otago Regional Council about the Mt Cook Field Trip. Tekapo Fi

We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator, an exciting opportunity to be part of environmental improvements in Central Otago

Written 26 th September 2025 by CWG project manager, Pete Oswald. Dense young pine infestation being burnt in a controlled burn. See video of the burn below text. Summary of Main Points: A landowner farmer in Central Otago has used fire to controlling wilding pines. We, the CWG, have been assisting this landowner with controlling wilding pines since 2016. The burn operation was a collaboration with a neighbouring commercial forest, other neighbouring farmers and CWG. Scion g