Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier is home to a delicate ecosystem where adding or removing one species can have a knock-on effect with huge impact. Should a pest arrive on Hauturu – whether a plant, animal or insect, the cost could be immense – and not just in financial terms. A thorough, well resourced system surveillance and ability to mobilise a timely incursion response is one of the most critical assets in the collective toolkit. “Animal pest control has not been carried out on Hauturu since 2005, simply because there are no animal pests on the island. We believe it’s not a matter of if but when it will be needed again. And it’s critical that when the time comes, it’s gold standard,” says new Hauturu Supporters Trust Chair Shane McInnes. The Hauturu Supporters Trust believes that this means: Sufficient devices of the right type, in place and available quickly People to monitor and re-bait devices as often as needed (this could be every day if the incursion warrants it) Enforcement of the regulations already in place to stop landings (enforcement is a concern) A better understanding of the year-round risks Understanding how technology such as self-resetting devices and remote monitoring can be used, and overcoming obstacles to make this realistic Genuine collaboration and knowledge sharing between Ngāti Manuhiri and the Crown. “Every time a human being sets foot on or near the island, there is a risk. This can be in the form of hitch-hiking insects and rodents, skinks, soil or weed seeds or pathogens,” says Shane. “As a Trust we’re asking, how can we help? Are there opportunities for the Hauturu Supporters Trust to support DOC, iwi and the sector to achieve best practice?” In coming issues of our newsletter we will discuss the options and dive deeper into the existing system of biosecurity protections and opportunities for improvement. To get your copy subscribe using the form at the bottom of this page.
