Kaikoura Island to be Protected and Restored

Forest and Bird, Issue 313, 1 August 2004, Page 5

Kaikoura Island to be Protected and Restored

aikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf is to be protected, restored and used as an area for the environmental education of New Zealand youth. In May, the Minister of Conservation, Hon. Chris Carter, announced a joint-venture deal to buy Kaikoura for $10.5 million by combining resources from the Government’s Nature Heritage Fund, ASB Trusts, the Auckland Regional Council, and Auckland’s territorial authorities. At 564 hectares, Kaikoura is the seventh largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Despite being highly modified, it has regenerating native bush, notably manuka and kanuka

with a significant stand of large ngaio on its eastern coast. The island is fringed by stands of pohutakawa, and some spectacular rocky outcrops and attractive beaches. Native pigeon, kaka, morepork and kingfisher are found on the island, and should increase once pest populations, such as deer and pigs, are eradicated. Mr Carter says the island will be protected as public land under the Reserves Act, although it would be managed by a trust representative of organisations which contributed to its purchase. ‘My hope is that Kaikoura Island will be a place where all of Auckland’s communities can

work side by side to restore a flourishing natural environment, as has occurred on another gulf island, Tiritiri Matangi, Mr Carter says. "The ASB Trusts have a vision of using Kaikoura as a centre for outdoor and environmental education of young people, and I heartily endorse that. The Government, through the Nature Heritage Fund, is paying at least $6 million. ASB community trusts will contribute $2 million, and will lift this if the local authorities of the Auckland region also contribute. The Auckland Regional Council has already made a firm commitment of $250,000. Until the territorial authorities have decided what

they will contribute, the Government has underwritten the difference. After two months, only Auckland City had made a commitment — of $83,000.