Motu Kaikoura now rat-free
The Motu Kaikoura Trust is now confident that all rats and deer have been eliminated from the Hauraki Gulf island, giving flora and fauna a chance to recover.
TrustLine, March 2009
Trust Chair Harry Doig says aerial poisoning was carried out last year to eliminate the last of the rats and intensive hunting has cleared out the deer.
“The trust is confident that all deer and rats have been eliminated,” he says. “We now look forward to the rapid regeneration of natural vegetation and an increase in bird life.”
Fortunately, the island was already free of possums, ferrets, stoats and weasles when the trust took over management in 2004. However, volunteers will have to be vigilant if it is to remain pest-free, as parts of the island are less than 200m from Great Barrier Island.
The island was bought in April 2004 in a combined effort by funders including Auckland Regional Council, the six regional authorities, ASB Community Trust and the Government’s Nature Heritage Fund.
Since then it has remained open to the public, with many summer visitors and regular use by students from Great Barrier Island’s nearby Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
“The work and enthusiasm of the trustees has been key to the progress made to date and the backing of our supporters is fantastic,” Harry says.