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January 1 marks the deadline for all commercial transport operators working close to Hauraki Gulf islands to have a pest free warrant, and Auckland Council is urging businesses to get the compulsory accreditation well in advance.
The warrant will be required for all commercial boats transporting people or goods, including barges, fishing charters, charter vessels – even kayak and jet ski tourist operators – who want to land, or come within one nautical mile of, any island in the Gulf.
The Hauraki Gulf is a nationally significant marine park, and since many of the islands are pest-free, or partially pest-free, they are home to some of the country’s rarest and most endangered species.
Pest free warrants, which certify that required biosecurity behaviour and standards for visiting a pest free island are being followed, are designed to reduce the risk of pest invasion. The focus is on species that are able to stow away on boats and in gear, including rats, skinks, mice, Argentine ants and the pathogen that causes kauri dieback.
As of last week, 125 commercial boat operators had already received the certification including one who was not required to, but chose to do so anyway.
“It’s great to have so many jump onboard early, and voluntarily, but we are concerned about the boat operators we haven’t heard from yet,” council’s pest free warrants advisor, Karen Thode said. “This includes boats coming into Auckland from Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty.”
Cr Richard Hills agreed, saying, “We’re invested in keeping the Gulf islands pest free and need to keep them this way as many of our endangered and threatened species have made them home.
“Being pest free warranted means everyone is on the alert for these biosecurity threats and are playing their part in protecting our environment.”
Under council’s regional pest management plan for 2020-2030, the warrants will be compulsory from 5pm on January 1.
There is no fee for accreditation, and council and the Department of Conservation can provide free training and support to help businesses achieve their warrants.
Boat operators can apply online here:
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/apply-pest-free-warrant.aspx
