Environment – Great Barrier Island News

Environment

Editorial: Kawau Island’s Poison Plan — Conservation or Chemical Catastrophe?

A proposal quietly moving through the system could make Kawau Island the most chemically saturated inhabited island in New Zealand history. From June 2025 to April 2027, Auckland Council, with backing from DOC, Predator Free 2050 Ltd, and the Manuhiri…

This bright-green invasive caulerpa seaweed is smothering the delicate marine ecosystem on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Glenn Edney

Environment

Invasive Caulerpa Seaweed Detected Off Little Barrier Island

Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been discovered at three locations off the northeast coast of Little Barrier Island, prompting a rapid response from local biosecurity and iwi groups. The seaweed, which includes the species Caulerpa brachypus and…

Environment

DOC denies 1080 plans for Aotea despite growing concern in community

The Department of Conservation has denied that any 1080 drop is currently planned or scheduled for Aotea / Great Barrier Island, following weeks of widespread speculation among residents and conservation stakeholders. In a written response to AoteaGBI.news, DOC Aotea Operations…

More than 100 tonnes of caulerpa washed up in this Great Barrier Island Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries

Environment

Caulerpa Spread Risks Billions – Report

By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter, NZME

Environment

Fisheries NZ Responds to Crayfish Poaching Frenzy

Fisheries New Zealand has issued infringement notices to two individuals amid ongoing investigations into illegal crayfish poaching on Great Barrier Island. The response follows a flurry of community reports about boats blatantly exceeding the legal crayfish limits. “Fisheries New Zealand…

A crayfish lurks between rocks. Debate is intensifying over proposed quota increases and their impact on local marine life in the Hauraki Gulf. Photo / Jasus Edwards / CC

Environment

Inner Hauraki Gulf Crayfish Ban Sparks Fears for Great Barrier

A three-year ban on commercial and recreational crayfish (spiny rock lobster) fishing in the inner Hauraki Gulf will come into effect on April 1st, 2025, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has confirmed. The move is aimed at rebuilding the…

Environment

Waiheke Island to Become Auckland’s First Urban Kiwi Habitat

In mid-May, Waiheke Island will become the first urban area in Auckland where kiwi have been released. 10 kiwi will be transferred from neighbouring Pōnui Island to Te Matuku Peninsula at the eastern end of Te Motu-ārai-roa/Waiheke Island. Save the…

Environment

New Native Nursery in Medlands to Support Local Planting Projects

A new community-focused native plant nursery is preparing to open its gates in Medlands this April, offering eco-sourced, locally grown plants for a wide range of planting projects. The Motu Community Nursery is the continuation of a native nursery initiative…

Environment

Viral Video: Octopus Riding Shark in Hauraki Gulf Becomes International Sensation

International media and scientific organisations are lapping up footage of a real life ‘Sharktopus’ filmed in the Hauraki Gulf. Marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine said the encounter in December 2023 was a tale to top them all. In a post…

Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board members.

Environment

Local Board Sinks Plans for Short-Stay Moorings Amid Budget and Consent Concerns

Plans to install a set of short-stay moorings in the Caulerpa-affected waters of Great Barrier Island have been scrapped, after the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board voted unanimously to abandon the project at its March meeting. Initially framed as…