Best of the web: Anger at watercress spraying

Weedkiller sprayed on popular watercress spot on Manaia Road by GWRC.

The spraying of a popular Masterton picking ground for wild watercress drew a heated response on Facebook, unanimous in their dismay of killing off a food source.

The previous week, Greater Wellington Regional Council used chemicals on a stream along Manaia Rd, in an effort to free up the flow of the waterway.

They placed signs warning people not to pick watercress for the next seven days, albeit with other signage that had a 14-day warning.

Greater Wellington's reason was to keep the natural flow of the stream going, rather than it being choked by vegetation. The move angered a nearby organic vegetable grower, Jeremy Howden, who said 10 to 15 people a day came to pick the watercress.

The story reached 7000 people, with nearly 50 shares and 60 comments on Facebook.

Most were scathing of the poisoning of a natural food source which people enjoyed.

"Why spray a food source, that's ridiculous," said Karlene Rhind.

"What a waste," said Summa Long.

"That's where I used to get my watercress," said Barney Mckinley. "Bloody idiots."

Tonianne Rose said she was planning to get some of the watercress for her tea that night.

"But I couldn't because they've sprayed it all. Gutted."

Beth Reille took the opportunity to give a warning. "You can bet these streams have been sprayed numerous times over the years, so I wouldn't be keen to eat anything out of them."

Jean Eltringham wondered if society was anti-foraging. "This government and their toadies are so hypocritical. Can't even grow your own food if you use the wrong seeds. They seem to want to kill foraging and self sufficiency."

Maybe "they" didn't want the people to use waterways, said Vids McDonald, encouraging people to go to the week's waterway management meeting. "Come along and have your say."