DoC plans Rangataua 'mainland island'

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 617, 19 December 1995, Page 7

DoC plans Rangataua 'mainland island'

A 'mainland island' may be cre ated in southern Tongariro National Park, adjacent to Rangataua Conservation Area focused around the Rotokura area. Such a sanctuary concept is not new for New Zealand but is a first for the Tongariro Conservancy. There is another successful established 'mainland island' at Mapara in the King Country. A 'mainland island' is an area managed to be free of animal and plant pests to allow for an enhanced opportunity to protect and preserve the special and unique native plant, bird and animal species of the area. Once introduced pests are removed from these areas it is anticipated that native wildlife such as kiwi, bats, whio (blue duck), kereru (pigeon) and geckos; mistle-

toe, dactylanthus and orchids will a make a spectacular recovery. Dr Harry Keys of Department of Conservation, has had discussions with tangata whenua of the area, the Ngati Rangi, who are enthusiastic about the concept as much of the area is a special significance to them. The Department would like to begin this project with planning and preliminary operations duringthe 1996/97 financial year, and the Taupo the Tongariro/! ^ • po Conservation Board supports the concept. "Without such concentrated management, the future for our native plant and animal life is not very optimistic. Mainland island' represent a refuge for wildlife belonging to the area to retreat to and a future nucleus for repopulating other areas," said Chairperson, Laura Dawson.