My Account
Kawau powder keg
There seems to be some misunderstandings about the impacts of wallabies and possums on Kawau Island regarding fire risk.
As it stands, mānuka and kānuka survive and dominate the island now because wallabies and possums don’t like to eat these trees.
Both mānuka and kānuka are at high risk of burning in a drought. Kawau Island is currently a powder keg. In a fire the carbon in the trees would go up in smoke, polluting the climate.
When rats, possums and wallabies are removed from Kawau Island, a whole new forest will grow beneath the mānuka and kānuka. The seeds of these plants will be dropped in by birds from Tāwharanui, Tiritiri Matangi and mainland Mahurangi. It’s happening now. But the seed and seedlings get scoffed by rats, possums and wallabies before they get waist high.
These native broadleaved plant species will have larger, thicker leaves which are much more fire resistant and diverse. Without the mammals you’ll have lovely smells of mahoe flowers in spring and berries on trees for a year-round food supply for native birds to eat.
The whole island will change rapidly to be more fire resistant and become a complex carbon sink.
There are always concerns when toxins are used in pest eradication operations. But that subsides. Nobody now is talking about the toxins used decades ago to clear Kāpiti Island of pests that allowed the last six little spotted kiwi to survive, nor any of the islands, large and small, from the Kermadec Islands down to the sub-Antarctic where native wildlife and plants are now thriving.
Forest & Bird supports the Kawau Island pest eradication proposal and we can’t wait to see the positive changes after the hard work is done. Many thanks to all the people over many years who have contributed to the proposal.
If all goes as planned, this time next year all sorts of native plant seeds can be sprouting without being eaten.
Dean Baigent-Mercer, Forest & Bird Northland conservation manager
Protecting Lake Tomarata
Let me congratulate Auckland Council and the Rodney Local Board members for taking steps to protect Tomarata Lake Reserve from further vandalism by four wheel drive vehicles. I hope they will also consider further management of motorised craft on the lake itself.
This is a idyllic family picnic venue that has been abused many times over the years, both on its foreshore and the lake.
The recently installed rock barriers will certainly stop further vandalism to the grass surface by four wheel drive vehicles, but the continuing problem of jet skis despoiling the lake with engine noise, reckless use and oil slicks on the water surface remains a concern.
The photograph of a jet ski jump dumped in the children’s swimming area is an indication of the low regard some have for other lake users.
As an ex-Auckland Regional Council councillor myself, I am well aware of the disregard some folk have for public spaces and the difficulties of managing mixed use areas. But I believe Tomarata can accommodate all users.
My suggestion is that motorised craft be moved off Tomarata Lake, possibly to Spectacle Lake or the newly formed sand mine lake.
Tomarata Lake itself could be designated as a paddle and sail zone only, with its foreshore for picnickers and pedestrians and a ban on off-leash dogs.
I hope the Local Board will continue its good work and give these issues further consideration.
Brent Morrissey, Te Arai
