Environment & Ecology – Great Barrier Island News

Environment & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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…

Medlands Beach glimmers in the moonlight, a testament to Aotea/Great Barrier Island's commitment to preserving the dark, star-filled skies. Photo / Mark Russell

Environment & Ecology

Great Barrier Island Shines in Lonely Planet’s Top 15 Night Adventures

Great Barrier Island has once again captured international attention, earning a spot on Lonely Planet’s latest travel guide, 15 of the World’s Best Adventures to Have at Night. The island was credited for its pristine environment and remarkable stargazing conditions,…

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 & Ecology

Government Greenlights Three R&D Projects to Tackle Invasive Caulerpa

Photo / Sid Ware / Ministry for Primary Industries

Environment & Ecology

Solar-Powered Trackers Uncover Kākā’s Hidden Adventures

Louise Mack is the Assistant Trust Manager at Windy Hill Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project established by Judy Gilbert in 2001. The sanctuary's mission is to sustain and enhance the biodiversity of the area by removing invasive plants and animals,…

Environment & Ecology

Controversy Swirls Around Crayfish Quota Increase

Conservation group LegaSea is raising concerns over a proposal by Fisheries New Zealand to increase commercial crayfish catch limits in the CRA 2 region (including Aotea). This proposal covers the northeast coast of New Zealand from Te Arai Point to…