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Keeping the Hauraki Gulf pest-free takes a huge team effort over summer. While people head out to enjoy the islands, Auckland Council and its partners are working behind the scenes to stop rodents, weeds, insects and marine pests from hitching a ride.
Here are five ways the Gulf is being protected, and what visitors can do to help.
Before a ferry, barge or freight vessel leaves the mainland, pest-free warranted operators check loads, gear and cargo for anything that could risk an island incursion.
Simple checks make a real difference. Sealink recently prevented a digger from travelling to Waiheke after finding it covered in soil and debris. Fullers acted quickly when skinks were spotted on board one of its vessels, and Explore Group continues to strengthen its passenger biosecurity messages. Belaire Ferries has developed a detailed biosecurity manual to support staff.
Council says the message is clear – biosecurity works best when everyone plays a part. Travellers can support this work by cleaning gear, checking bags and removing soil before boarding.
More landscapers, marina operators and boating groups are signing up as pest-free partners. These businesses take voluntary steps such as checking soil, materials and equipment before it travels to the islands.
Visitors can mirror this approach by giving outdoor gear and footwear a quick clean before heading out.
Council’s biosecurity dog team helps detect pests before they reach sensitive habitats. The dogs check ferries, private vessels, freight and vehicles for rodents, ants and risky goods.
New recruit Tilly, a fox terrier bred for conservation work, is in training as a rodent-detection dog, while older dog Marty is expanding his skills to include Argentine ants, and Rosie and Ronnie continue to support checks across the region.
With sailings increasing over summer, the dog team will be highly visible. Travellers can make their work easier by securing food, packing clean equipment and reporting anything unusual.
Underwater pests are also a risk, particularly exotic caulerpa, which is already present around several Gulf islands, including Aotea, Kawau, Rakino, and Waiheke. The fast-growing seaweed can smother seabed habitats.
Council’s Marine Biosecurity team, working with Biosecurity New Zealand, has installed new caulerpa signs at fifty boat ramps. Boaties are urged to check anchor chains and equipment, remove and bin any suspicious seaweed onshore, and follow the current anchoring and fishing rules.
Two major projects are reshaping island conservation: Tū Mai Taonga on Aotea/Great Barrier Island aims to remove feral cats and rats, while Te Korowai o Waiheke is working to make Waiheke the world’s first predator-free urban island by removing stoats and rats.
