As used in relation to weeds in New Zealand, the term “noxious” is a confusing one, as it has two distinct meanings. In a general, non-specific sense, it denotes any weed regarded as significant, for one reason or another, by the use of the term. It has, however, a precise legal meaning denoting weeds whose control and eradication are required under the provisions of the Noxious Weeds Act of 1950 and its amendments. These are the so called “noxious weeds”.