Paremuka Stormwater Ponds, West Auckland 

Paremuka stormwater ponds in West Auckland were in desperate need of dredging, however they are heavily contaminated with a foreign fanwort weed, Cabomba caroliniana. This freshwater species was declared an “Unwanted Organism” in September 2016 and is found in only a small number of areas in New Zealand. Working with the Ministry of Primary Industries, the team implemented a thorough decontamination process to prevent the spread of the weed. The project ran successfully, with an Auckland Council Biosecurity Team Manager even giving a glowing reference at the detail and professionalism in which the process was carried out.