Environment & Ecology – Great Barrier Island News

A takahē and a tuatara have been filmed engaging in a bush-floor stoush in a new video captured by a quick-thinking DOC Ranger. Photo / DoC

Environment & Ecology

Bush Battle on Tiritiri: Tuatara and Takahē Caught in Wild Scrap

They’re both rare, prehistoric-looking icons of the New Zealand bush. But it turns out even the nation’s most protected species aren’t above a good old-fashioned scrap. In bizarre footage snapped by Department of Conservation (DoC) ranger Nick Fisentzidis on Tiritiri…

Environment & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

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 & Ecology

Caulerpa Spread Risks Billions – Report

By Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter, NZME

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…