This project investigates how birds contribute to the spread of invasive woody weeds across Horomaka, Banks Peninsula. Many naturalised plant species produce colourful, fleshy fruits that attract both native and introduced birds. Once consumed, the seeds are transported to new areas, sometimes into forests and shrublands, but often into farmland, roadside margins, and other disturbed habitats where weeds can establish quickly.

This research aims to identify the fruit traits that make certain non-native plants appealing to the key bird species responsible for most seed dispersal and assess how landscape structure influences where these woody weeds become established. To address these questions, the study combines existing information on bird traits, fruit and seed characteristics, along with field observations of bird foraging behaviour, and experiments using artificial perches to collect seeds from droppings, identifying the woody species being dispersed.