It’s the “Stook” for Rory Johnson
Category: National. Posted: 6 March 2026
More than just data and good intentions
Rory Johnson receives the “record in wood”
Fittingly it was host member Rory Johnson who was awarded the coveted Stook for best presentation. Rory’s paper focused on the multi-species prioritisation tool he and members of the Pest Plant team at Horizons have been developing over the past year. Invasive plant management at the regional scale is a complex task that requires more than data or good intentions – it demands a clear framework for decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic coordination across councils, agencies, and communities. In response, the team created a tool designed to support region-wide strategic control of invasive plant species in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region. The tool integrates ecological impact, species traits, external pressures, and local knowledge across 15 species covered by Horizons’ Regional Pest Management Plan. While its primary function is to generate prioritised species lists, its real strength lies in what it surfaces: the importance of shared values, transparent planning, and flexibility in weed management across varied landscapes. The tool is not a silver bullet – but it’s a conversation starter, a planning aid, and a step towards more strategic and transparent plant management.
The Stook is a carved wooden staff created by former Institute member Robb McGuinness, who described it as “a cross between a sword, a stick, and a book – a record in wood.” This particular Stook, carved from Pacific Mahogany, has been a symbol of excellence in pest management since it was first presented in 1984. Previous winners have described it as an historic record of “who’s who” in the world of biosecurity.