Forest and Bird applauds Project Hauraki

Forest and Bird today applauded the Government for announcing Project Hauraki, an initiative that will invest in conservation projects on seven Hauraki Gulf islands as part of a wider $2 million investment to be provided for in this year's Budget and announced by Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Project Hauraki includes new initiatives for pest eradication, track development, signage, and interpretation on Kaikoura, Waiheke, Motuihe, Motutapu, Rangitoto, Rakitu, and Great Barrier Islands.

“Forest and Bird applauds this bold initiative which will have great benefits for conservation in the Hauraki Gulf,” said Forest and Bird General Manager Mike Britton.

“Everyone will benefit from Project Hauraki. It will result in more protected habitat for birds and other native species, and increase bird populations that will in turn spill-over into the wider Auckland region,” he said.

“Today is also a landmark day for conservation in the Hauraki Gulf because of the opening today of Kaikoura Island as a scenic reserve heralds the beginning of a nationally significant restoration project,” said Forest and Bird Northern Conservation Officer Dave Pattemore and Motu Kaikoura Trustee. “Its topography and location make it an ideal candidate for seabird conservation.”

“Rangitoto and Motutapu islands are icons of Auckland, and the eradication of pests there will pave the way for the full recovery of native species on the islands,” said Mr Pattemore. “It will be a real asset for Auckland to have pest-free islands open to the public just minutes from downtown.”

“This project will also allow greater numbers of Aucklanders and visitors to experience the magic of our offshore conservation islands; a privilege once reserved only for scientists and wildlife officers,” said Mr Pattemore.

ends

© Scoop Media