Ipipiri rodent eradication consent approved
Date: 21 August 2008
Source: Bay of Islands Area Office
Partners in Project Island Song - a community-led plan to restore the islands of Ipipiri in the Eastern Bay of Islands - are delighted that the project is a step closer to reality.
"Patukeha, Ngati Kuta, the Guardians of the Bay of Islands and the Department of Conservation welcome the approval of a resource consent to apply poison to the islands to eradicate rodents," the Department's project manager for the island pest eradication, Adrian Walker, said today.
The Northland Regional Council's Hearing Committee decision, received today, judged that the potential effects of the proposed brodifacoum poison operation were temporary in nature or could be mitigated by measures proposed by the department.
"The impacts of the operation on human health, the marine environment and native species are minimal when compared to the benefits that arise once rats are removed from islands," said Mr Walker. "We expect results in the Bay to be no different from the many other successful island eradications undertaken around the country."
"We have had tremendous support from our project partners: Ngati Kuta, Patukeha and the Guardians of the Bay of Islands and now we are now looking forward to Ipipiri being rat-free."
Resource management unit representative for Patukeha, Richard Witehira, said Patukeha welcomed the decision. "We thank the Northland Regional Council for the decision, and the department for the close consultation, and look forward a lasting partnership."
Chair of Ngati Kuta, Russell Hook, and Helen Harte, resource management unit representative, said hapu at Rawhiti were thrilled that the restoration of the biodiversity of Ipipiri was moving closer, and "we hope that this decision will lead to significant economic opportunities for our community."
Lynette Smith, chair of the Guardians of the Bay of Islands, said the group was
absolutely delighted that the resource consent has been approved.
"We are now a step closer to achieving our shared goal of ecological restoration of the islands for the benefit of the whole community," she said.
Mr Walker said the support of island landowners and leaseholders had been vital to the success of the resource consent.
"We couldn't have achieved this without their support. All have given access and have consented to treating their properties, which is integral to the project.
"The 50 submissions in support of the application with few against confirm that the community is looking forward to a future with a group of restored islands at Ipipiri.
Mr Walker said the department was looking forward to the community's continued support for and help with Project Island Song, particularly in checking boats and gear for rats, mice and ants before visiting the islands.
back to top