Environment & Ecology – Page 2 – Great Barrier Island News

Environment & Ecology

Protecting the Gulf—or Not? Minister Defends Controversial Fishing Amendments

The Government’s promise to protect the Hauraki Gulf has sparked fury among conservationists, with critics warning that last-minute amendments to the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill will drive fish species to the brink of extinction. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka…

Kaitoke School Takes Step Towards Charter School Status – News Roundup

Kaitoke School Exploring Charter School Model Kaitoke School, in collaboration with the Aotea Learning Hub, is exploring the possibility of becoming a composite charter school. This would provide seamless education for students aged 5 to 18 years on Great Barrier…

Sun-Drenched Serenity: Medlands Beach on the East Coast of Great Barrier Island. Photo / AoteaGBI.news

Volunteers Needed for Coastal Health Survey

Organizers are calling on residents to participate in the upcoming Hauora Moana/ecological survey. The survey, coordinated by environmentalist John Bakunin, is scheduled for October 19th and 20th, 2024. In case of inclement weather, alternative dates have been set for November…

A lone Norway Rat on Motutapu Island has been tracked, and is believed to have been successfully eliminated by conservation teams (file photo). Photo / DOC / Rod Morris - Creative Commons

Environment & Ecology

Motutapu’s Rat Problem: Finally Solved (at a Cost)

A lone rat caught on camera on the otherwise pest-free paradise of Motutapu Island has been killed after months of running amok, in a sting costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. The island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf is directly behind Rangitoto…

Aotea Locals Help Rescue Critically Ill Sea Turtle on Ōkupe Beach

DOC’s Sarah Dwyer cradles the critically ill hawksbill turtle found on Ōkupe Beach. Photo / DoC A hawksbill sea turtle found alive on Ōkupe beach, Aotea/Great Barrier Island, has been urgently flown to Auckland Zoo for medical attention, where it…

Mulberry Grove's shoreline, where erosion threaten both natural beauty and critical infrastructure. Photo / MGS

Last Chance to Shape Barrier Shoreline’s Future

A final call is being issued to the Great Barrier Island community to provide their input on the Auckland Council’s Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP), with the public consultation period ending on October 7th. Erosion is a pressing issue across the…

Environment & Ecology

DoC Approves Large-Scale Poisoning in the South as Residents Sound the Alarm

A decision by Oruawharo Medlands Ecovision (OME) to deploy rat poison across over 1,000 hectares in the south of the island has sparked outcry from locals, following a notice quietly issued in the council-supported Aotea Advocate community flyer. The controversial…

Looking Down at Port Fitzroy Great Barrier Island. Photo / DoC

Environment & Ecology

Community-Led Boat Wash Facility Proposed for Barrier

Auckland Council is proposing a community-led boat wash facility for Aotea to address the growing threat of invasive marine pests and the economic devastation caused by their spread. The facility aims to provide a safe and convenient location for boat…

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

Community Concerns Clash with MPI Commitments at Island Hui

Residents, businesses, and anglers are facing prolonged uncertainty regarding how or when officials will move beyond pilot trials to decisively tackle the Caulerpa outbreak in the island’s waters. Questions also linger about the fate of the Controlled Area Notices (CANs),…

Axed and Angry: Landowners Slam Council Over Tree Felling

"Pine-ing" for answers: Landowners left in the dark after council fells trees on disputed boundary, despite prior arborist inspection. Photo / CC