Drop in the ocean

Auckland’s Long Term Plan has allocated $200,000 toward management of the invasive weed caulerpa, which is decimating the seafloor in areas around the Hauraki Gulf.

The money will come from the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, which is expected to raise $32.6 million during the next annual budget.

The rate will increase by 3.5 percent a year from the 2026 financial year and will also fund the Regional Pest Management Plan.