22 | Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Karen Phelps Long term ecological restoration project The island serves as a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s rarest nesting birds. Promising results in efforts to eradicate pests and protect rare native species are already apparent after two years of a long term ecological restoration project on Wellington’s Taputeranga Island, according to project leaders. The island, located approximately 210 metres off Island Bay on Wellington’s south coast, was returned to Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira through settlement and is now jointly managed with Wellington City Council. Luke Barnsley, iwi project manager, reports significant progress in reducing the rat population and controlling invasive plant species on the 3.2-hectare island. “The aim is to keep the island free of pests as well as protecting rare flora and fauna species,” says Luke. “We’ve already seen a noticeable reduction in the rat population and have made good headway against non- endemic plant species.” The island serves as a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s rarest nesting birds, including matuku moana (heron) and kororā (little blue penguins). It also hosts unique plant species such as Cook Strait māhoe Melicytus orarius and woollyhead Craspedia uniflora var. maritima, which have been under threat from invasive weeds. Luke says that one of the primary focuses of the restoration work has been controlling karo. Pittosporum crassifolium, an invasive tree species that threatens both native plants and the island’s archaeological features. “These non-endemic species are also having a negative impact on the integrity of stone walls set up by Māori on the island in the 1820s and earlier,” explains Luke. “By managing these invasives, we’re protecting both our natural and cultural heritage.” The project has benefited significantly from collaboration with Predator Free Wellington, which has provided resources, information and expertise. Local community involvement has also played a crucial role, with a group called the Rat Busters helping to establish a boundary network along the mainland beach to prevent further pest incursions to the island. Wellington City Council continues to serve as the administering body for the island, which is classified as a Historic Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977, a recorded archaeological site listed in the Wellington City Council District Plan heritage list and designated as a wāhi tapu area by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. The Council works in partnership with Toa Rangatira Trust for ongoing management decisions. For Ngāti Toa Rangatira, caretaking of Taputeranga Island represents an important cultural responsibility, says Luke. “To receive the island back in settlement was a big deal,” he says. “The island played a significant role when we as a tribe were establishing ourselves in the region in the 1820s. It was here that we received a taonga, which symbolised the transfer of mana and authority over the area to our iwi.” The island sits within Taputeranga Marine Reserve, just six kilometres from Wellington’s city centre, offering visitors opportunities for snorkelling, diving and walking experiences. Luke says community engagement has been a key component of the restoration work, with regular cleanup events drawing support from Wellington residents. “The wider community has really embraced this project,” says Luke. “Their involvement has been crucial to our early successes.” Luke says the project team aims to establish an outcome monitoring programme to measure the mauri, or health, of ecosystems within the tribal area. “The coastal turf communities are a nationally threatened habitat and one of the really important plant communities on the motu. They are fast disappearing around New Zealand. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe haven for our rare flora and fauna species. We want people to be able to visit the island and experience how it would have been before human intervention.” Fully Qualified and Insured Arborist, servicing from Wellington to Kapiti coast 022 325 8218 | rakauabltd@yahoo.com New Zealands only multi-species automatic pest trap AT220 The Possum Rats + Mice Mustelids Place your order now! www.nzautotraps.com (07) 307 0303 Scan me!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=