Hauraki Gulf islands finally pest-free

Two breeding pairs of takahe, an endangered native bird, have been released onto Motutapu Island. Photo / APM

Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands in the Hauraki Gulf have finally been declared pest-free wildlife sanctuaries following a 20-year eradication programme, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson says.

The occasion has been marked with the first release of threatened native wildlife on Motutapu Island, including two breeding pairs of takahe - one of New Zealand's rarest native birds.

Up to 20 tieke, or saddleback, another native bird brought back from the brink of extinction, were also released.

The release of endangered species in Auckland's backyard was a big occasion, Ms Wilkinson said.

"There are only 250 takahe left in the world and that we are able to release them in a safe sanctuary here in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is testament to the fantastic work the Department of Conservation (DOC) has undertaken to rid these islands of pests.

"Motutapu and Rangitoto will now play a significant role in protecting our most endangered wildlife.

"Takahe were thought to be extinct until rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948. The grassland on Motutapu provides a good feeding ground for takahe and the island is big enough to hold up to 20 breeding pair. This would make it the largest population of takahe outside Fiordland."

DOC had removed nine animal pests from the islands. Possums and wallabies were eradicated in the early 1990s. Ship rats, Norway rats, stoats, mice, feral cats, hedgehogs and rabbits have now been removed with the completion of a major eradication operation that began in June 2009.

About 30 species of threatened native wildlife were expected to be released onto the islands, including kiwi, hihi or stitchbird, tuatara and several species of native reptile.

"Ridding Rangitoto and Motutapu of pests marks a major conservation achievement as it creates New Zealand's second largest pest-free sanctuary covering more than 3800 hectares combined," Ms Wilkinson said.

"As well as creating a valuable new conservation asset the investment in making Rangitoto and Motutapu pest-free sanctuaries will provide a tourism drawcard.

- NZPA