History & Philosophy

The Prime Minister Helen Clark flew to Motu Kaikoura on Sat 7 May, and declared it a Scenic Reserve. A Fullers vessel was chartered to transport over 300 guests involved in  Auckland conservation efforts. Many were members of the NZ Native Forests Restoration Trust which began a campaign in May 2003 to ensure the island became a public reserve. The island was purchased with funding from the government agency "the Nature Heritage Fund" plus generous assistance from the ASB Charitable Trusts and Auckland's local authorities. Management of the island has been vested in a newly formed charitable trust - The Motu Kaikoura Trust.

Plans to hold the function on the island had to be modified at the last minute due to rough sea conditions necessitating a larger vessel which could not berth at Kaikoura. Instead the Fuller's Superflight circumnavigated the island while trustees gave a commentary on the island's history and restoration plans.

Left:    Motu Kaikoura looking inhospitable
as the vessel approached for the auspicious occasion.

Right:  The weather cleared beautifully allowing for a circumnavigation of the island and on-board commentary. 

The formalities were held on shore at Port Fitzroy Yacht Club, Great Barrier Island.  A Powhiri was performed by Ngati Rehua members to welcome the visitors to the island.  At the ceremony the Ngati Rehua speakers expressed the hope that the wairua (life force) of the island would be re-established as nature's creations were restored.

Mike Lee, Chairman of the Auckland Regional Authority thanked all those who had contributed so generously to the island's purchase -both in time and money.

The Minister of Conservation, Chris Carter, told how he had raised the idea of purchasing the island with the Prime Minister and her response of "Do it!". He introduced the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, who related the history of the island's purchase. She then announced the establishment of a $2 million fund to assist with the eradication of pests from Hauraki Gulf islands and the creation of tracks on Motu Kaikoura. She then unveiled a plaque to mark the establishment of Motu Kaikoura as a scenic reserve.

The Motu Kaikoura Trust chairman at the time, Geoff Davidson, then added his trust's thanks to the government for the purchase of Kaikoura and the new fund that would greatly assist the restoration of all the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Left:  Geoff Davidson delivering his speech of thanks. He also represented the New Zealand Native Forests Restoration Trust. The NZNFRT is the leading organisation involved in forest restoration and the catalyst for the protection of Motu Kaikoura. It has acquired land at the rate of 250 ha a year to protect important species, restore their habitats and to improve the quality of our waterways. They now have 25 reserves throughout the North Island with a total of nearly 6,000 ha of protected native forests. Visit their website   www.nznfrt.org.nz

Right:    Kevin Prime representing the ASB Charitable Trust.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Together with the Government, the ASB Charitable Trust, the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland local authorities, Motu Kaikoura (previously known as Selwyn Island) was bought for the people of New Zealand and opened by the Prime Minister on the 8th May 2005. Motu Kaikoura is situated to the west of Fitzroy Harbour, Great Barrier Island, in the Hauraki Gulf.

It is an island of huge potential for conservation purposes and NZ desperately needs more secure sanctuaries for our wildlife.  The aim is to encourage the natural cycle of regeneration to continue without introduced pests, either animal or vegetable.

Motu Kaikoura is a scenic reserve managed by a team of volunteer Trustees and is to be available for outdoor/environmental education for youth in particular and for provision of facilities to achieve this.

LOCALITY & GEOGRAPHY

Once known as Selwyn Island, then as Kaikoura Island, Motu Kaikoura is situated to the west of Great Barrier Island protecting the entrance to Port Fitzroy Harbour. Typical of the islands in the outer Hauraki Gulf, it is rugged and represents the last wilderness area within Auckland City, 90 km SSW of the island.

Great Barrier Island is 28,500 hectares in area and its highest peak 627 m Mt Hobson. Motu Kaikoura at 564 hectares is dwarfed by comparison and its highest point is Mt Overlook at 205 m.

The steep rugged cliffs surrounding the island reflect its geological formation and history. It is the eroded remains of a Miocene andesitic strato volcano. Mitre Peak and several other rock outcrops illustrate the weathered remains of the volcanic rock and the sheer drop from Mt Overlook (179 m) into the sea shows the effect of coastal erosion.

Soils on the northern slopes are typical of gumland soils with dry red clay slowing regrowth and limiting revegetation to a few adaptable species. Unfortunately the pest weed species such as gorse, Hakea sericea¸ and pines are also able to colonise these soils. The south facing slopes are generally more fertile with a depth of litter building a more fertile tilth. Here the species diversity is greater and broad leaf species will dominate quickly once animal pests are removed.

The south-west corner is dominated by a mix of two pine species - Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster. It has been observed that the P.pinaster in particular provides a good source of protein to flocks of kaka, which shred the pinecones in order to eat the seeds. Weed management will be progressive to ensure this food source is not removed before alternative species are established. Motu Kaikoura is 20 km from Little Barrier Island and is the 'stepping stone' for birds and insects moving between the two larger islands.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The island has a wharf and floating pontoon (an ARC grant was recently obtained to replace the gangway and pontoon),  and a 548 metre disused airfield which has now been upgraded and licensed. The island has several kilometers of road and we have purchased a trans mule to enable easy access.

A reliable alternator has been purchased for power and power reticulations placed underground. Both Telecom and Vodafone have cell sites on the island, Vodafone have upgraded to wind and solar, no diesel is used.   Data and cell facilities are obtained through the Vodafone site for our use on the island and was recently upgraded to 3G. A radio repeater has been commissioned in conjunction with Glenfern and Outdoor Pursuits Centre for communications and all safety frequencies.

INITIAL SURVEYS PRIOR TO RODENT ERADICATION & CONTROL

Bird Survey  -  under the leadership of Mel Galbraith.

Plant Survey  -  under Ewen Cameron’s leadership in conjunction with Maureen Young.

Seaweed Survey  -  by  Mike Wilcox

Weed Survey  -  under the leadership of Jack Craw (Auckland Regional Council)

Reptile Survey  - now being undertaken. 

Weta Survey  -  St. Peters College boys

PESTS and PREDATORS

Fallow Deer – A total of 119 deer have been removed.   This has been achieved by a local Barrier hunting team, including the use of dogs, led by our caretaker Will Scarlett. We have caught one rabbit and there does not appear to be any more – possibly a pet dropped from a boat. There were cat signs but now all have gone due to bykill from rodent drop.

Rats –  rodent eradication on Motu Kaikoura and surrounding islands and islets has taken place.  This was a major project. Supporters have already built 300+ rat motels which are being used along with bait stations and tracking tunnels on Motu Kaikoura and mainland GB. Tracks have been formed for both deer and cat eradication and future monitoring. Tracks have been  formed on mainland Gt. Barrier to prevent reinvasion. Last of two rodent bait drops was carried out on 13 September 08. 

AIMS

As required by our appointment, restoration plans are well under way and we are fortunate having the Outdoor Pursuits Centre involved (Northern base for kayaking, sailing, tramping) which was opened approx 4 years ago by Sir Edmund Hillary.  At this time they are using Motu Kaikoura for sailing, tramping and camping as part of their training program.

The most outstanding bird life we have is a good colony of kakas feeding on pinasta pines on the island, banded rail, a few brown teal which come ashore and the more common tuis, pigeons, fantails, etc.

There is also a well-established colony of kingfishers.

THE FUTURE

The restoration of buildings to a better standard for accommodation of supporters, study groups, etc,  Caretaker Will Scarlett’s  (ex Little Barrier) accommodation has been upgraded to be self-contained and independent, with other buildings to follow.

An alternative energy power system to integrate with the alternator.

An environmental sewerage system. 

Following deer and rat eradication there has been a rapid recovery of plants with bird life following. With deer now eliminated,  from a population of approx. 300 ten years ago, plant life is already recovering and seedlings are growing from a base of mature specimens, only in the gullies due to burning pre and post European and deer predation. Regenerating ti-tree through gorse is well on the way on the rest of the island.

THE CHALLENGE

Unfortunately we have a few instances of reinvasion by rats – most likely they are swimmers from mainland Great Barrier.  Knowing the abilities of these rodents it wasn't entirely unexpected.  Their origin is being confirmed by DNA analysis, then a trapping and long term control plan is being formulated.