ARC boosts campaign to buy Kaikoura Island

By BERNARD ORSMAN

A bid to bring Kaikoura Island into public ownership has received a $250,000 boost from the Auckland Regional Council with ratepayers being asked to contribute more towards the conservation project.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter is putting together a package to buy the 564ha island in the Hauraki Gulf and yesterday said negotiations had began with the owner over the price. The island has a price tag of between $5 million and $10 million.

Mr Carter said the Government was prepared to substantially increase the $1 million already pledged to the project.

"I am very keen to buy the island on behalf of the Crown but it has to be at the right price," he said.

The ARC is the first council in Auckland to pledge money to Kaikoura Island since the Mayoral Forum voted five months ago to ask councils to decide whether to contribute to the purchase.

The Native Forest Restoration Trust and Herald columnist Brian Rudman have led a campaign to buy the island.

Rudman suggested it as an alternative memorial to Sir Peter Blake following plans by Auckland City Council and Te Papa for a $10 million glass box proposal at the National Maritime Museum on the Auckland waterfront.

ARC chairwoman Gwen Bull said the council had decided to contribute as part of its role in the protection of regional natural and cultural heritage sites, such as the Hauraki Gulf.

"The ARC has always supported in principle protecting Kaikoura Island's biodiversity and landscape values," Mrs Bull said.

She likened the contribution to one in 1999 to help buy Otuataua Stonefields in South Auckland.

Manukau and Waitakere councils are considering contributions to Kaikoura through their annual plans.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey said the island was an ecological treasure but when it came to asking ratepayers for a $210,000 contribution they might opt for a more pressing opportunity closer to home.

Manukau chief executive Colin Dale said the annual plan committee would decide next month whether to ask ratepayers for $345,000.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks said the council would "put up our share" once it had a better idea of the purchase price and funding shortfall.

North Shore Mayor George Wood said the council would like to see the island secured in public ownership.