Navy turn to conservation on remote DOC island
Date: 04 April 2008
The annual resupply of the Department of Conservation's (DOC) field centre on remote Raoul island has provided an opportunity for Navy personnel to be introduced to island life Raoul style, while getting involved in a variety of work tasks.
The fourteen-strong Navy contingent from the Naval Personnel Resource Centre at the Devonport Naval Base, have been based on Raoul island in the Kermadec group of islands for the past week. They have been undertaking a variety of tasks such as clearing up damage caused by Cyclone Gene earlier in the year. Under the guidance of DOC archaeologist, Andy Dodd, they have also dug over 200 test holes in the island's airstrip to check for evidence of early occupation of the area, prior to work on the airstrip taking place.
Green and Blue Lakes on Raoul island
Other work has included some slick reorganisation of building materials in the implements shed to allow DOC vehicles to fit in, and some scientific work such as capturing parakeets for research and helping with the weeding programme.
Karen Baird, DOC's programme manager for Raoul Island, said it was a great help having the Navy to assist with the resupply and work on the island.
"The terrain of the island is physically very demanding and the Navy have put in a huge effort in such a difficult environment," she said.
DOC maintains a permanent presence on Raoul island, the largest of the Kermadec islands, which are situated 1000km northeast of New Zealand, making it one of the most remote areas DOC manages. The islands are classified as a nature reserve, and are surrounded by New Zealand's biggest marine reserve at 745000ha. Management of the islands is coordinated out of DOC's Warkworth Area Office.
HMNZS Canterbury's Seasprite heli-
copter landing on Raoul island
Navy personnel arrived on board Navy Amphibious Support Ship, HMNZS Canterbury, and came ashore by HMNZS Canterbury's Seasprite Helicopter. Also on board were two Army engineers who are assisting with an assessment of the landing areas with a view to upgrading these in the future.
HMNZS Canterbury is also taking part in an international defence exercise in Noumea on this trip.
ENDS
- The Kermadec islands consist of four groups of islands and rocks.
- The whole area is volcanically active, with earthquakes almost a daily occurrence.
- The islands are now rat, cat and goat free, and bird life is rapidly recovering.
- The islands are home to many rare and unusual species.
- The Kermadecs are uninhabited apart from Raoul island where DOC staff and volunteers are based. Staff and volunteers undertake a range of tasks including weather observation, weed control, reserve and facilities maintenance and monitoring volcanic activity.
- A permit from DOC is required before landing on the islands.