The natural ecosystems that make up this wonderful world we live in – wetlands, islands, mountains and so forth – do not exist separately. They are all interconnected, be it by the seas that surround them, the creatures that move between them or the rivers flowing through them. The ocean around Te Hauturu o Toi may gently bathe the coastline or may at other times pound the cliffs and beaches, eroding them and moving the boulders, constantly creating change.
More than 15 species of seabird feed from the ocean, returning to the island to roost or nest. They bring with them the remains of the fish they have fed on and the rich guano of their droppings. Many species burrow into the high ridge tops to nest, loosening soil for plants to grow and providing elements to help insects and other creatures mature.
As fish and food sources near the island are depleted by human activity, be it overfishing or maybe reduced water quality from siltation caused by land development around the Gulf, the birds must travel further away from the island to find food for their chicks and must spend longer away from them, consequently they rear fewer chicks. In the past, the seaweed beds around the island were abundant and healthy, but with the disappearance of crayfish and large snapper, the seaweeds are disappearing under the siege of kina – something the ranger’s children have noticed over the last 10 years.
Changes to the health of the Hauraki Gulf/Tikapa Moana are accelerating as the population around it increases and more people access the Gulf for recreation. Moreover, commercial fishing continues with types of fishing like bottom-trawling and scallop dredging that permanently damage the fragile ecosystem. I remember trips out to Hauturu as a child back in the 1950s and 60s when it would be rare to see more than one or two other vessels. You were more likely to see a whale or a big school of trevally. Now on trips to the island you may see 15 to 20 vessels of all sizes – from container ships to kayaks and jet-skis. It has always seemed strange to me that Hauturu, being one of our most pristine ecosystems, has no marine protection. Our other nature reserves, such as the sub-Antarctic islands, the Kermadecs and even Kapiti have some degree of marine protection.
The Hauturu Supporters Trust is keen to work with the island’s iwi, Ngati Manuhiri, towards some form of marine protection for the island. We have recently appointed a new trustee, Dr Andrew Jeffs, a marine scientist, who may help us all towards that end.
This is my last column about Hauturu as I am retiring from the Trust in December after 14 years as a trustee. I am sure to remain involved with the island in some way, as it has been part of my life since I was four years old. Massey University Press is in the process of publishing a reprint of our book Hauturu, which, if all goes well, will be available by Christmas and also through the Hauturu Supporters Trust’s new website.
Hauturu - Little Barrier Island Supporters Trust
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