DOC rangers Emma Rowell and Nick Fisentzidis beside one of the newly installed "no landing" signs on Kapiti Island.
DOC rangers Emma Rowell and Nick Fisentzidis beside one of the newly installed "no landing" signs on Kapiti Island.
A number of large yellow triangle markers used to identify the Kapiti Marine Reserve are being poorly maintained, local resident Ben Knight says.
"The top marker at the north end has been blown over/broken while the maker at Waterfall Bay has fallen over completely and the markers are Waiorua Bayare not far off falling over either," said Mr Knight, who is part of the newly formed Guardians of the Kapiti Marine Reserve,
"The markers at Kaiwharawhara Point are not easily visible, possibly due to needing a re-paint. All the markers look like they are long overdue for some maintenance."
Mr Knight said it was "shocking to see how poorly maintained the markers are".
"Anyone caught fishing in the reserve could mount a legal defence on the basis that the markers are inadequate.
"Department of Conservation (DOC) has failed the Kapiti community who joined together and got behind the marine reserve and supported it when it was first proposed over 25 years ago.
"Local fisherman sacrificed some of their favourite fishing spots and lots of work had to be done by many people in our community to build consensus around the need for, and location of, the reserve and now 25 years later DOC has basically abandoned this local treasure and disrespected the local community in the process.
"Ideally DOC should be monitoring the reserve regularly and maintain the markers as a bare minimum.
"If DOC can't or won't do their job then they should hand over the management rights to the local community to do it for them."
But DOC ranger Lee Barry said the department was on to the marker issue.
"We are aware of this and have sourced a new, easier to install, robust design for the markers to replace damaged or faded signs. Where possible existing signs will be repaired."
A yellow marker at Waterfall Bay, Kapiti Island. Photo / Ben Knight
Replacement markers had been ordered and would be installed before the end of the year.
The markers were inspected "during the course of marine reserve patrols, multiple times during the year."
Meanwhile, DOC recently installed additional "no landing" signs on Kapiti Island to remind boaties to keep the island predator-free.
"Landing your boat on the island is not allowed because of the risk of rats, diseases and other pests jumping ashore," Island ranger Genevieve Spargo said.
"The island and its world class wildlife needs everyone to play their part in keeping it safe."
Two commercial boat operators run affordable transport and tours to the island, which include the cost of a landing permit.
