Golden Gorse.

Brought out to N.Z. by the early settlers to form hedges and remind them of 'home', gorse has become a farmer's and Department of Conservation's nightmare. In the rich soils and  benign climate of the new country, it flourished and became rampant. A similar story occurred with blackberry and rabbits.

This gorse growing beside the coastal cycle trail is flowering in mid winter. Emerging seed pods can be seen which means the cycle will continue regardless of the season. The wicked thorns prevent animals from grazing on it.

However, the flowers glow golden in the sun and light up a hillside. There is beauty in gorse - if you are not a farmer.