Latest news with #Caulerpa
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Ōkahu Bay Haul-Out Plan: A Smart, Local Solution To Protect Auckland's Marine Environment
Auckland the City of Sails - currently lacks a public haul-out yard in its central harbour. This surprising gap in a region with the most boats per capita presents a serious biosecurity risk. With international vessels arriving regularly and over 4,000 recreational boats on the water, marine pest management is now urgent. The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) - long-time advocates for responsible boating and organisers of the iconic PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race - is leading a practical, community-led proposal to help address the issue: reopening the Ōkahu Bay haul-out yard on a reduced seasonal scale (May to December). This isn't about expansion - it's about reactivating a proven, ratepayer-funded facility to help tackle growing marine biosecurity threats, with strong community support behind it. 'Since the 2022 closure, local haul-out options have become limited,' says Adrian Percival, Commodore of NZMYC. 'As a result, many boat owners must now travel between regions simply for hull cleaning - raising the risk of spreading invasive pests like Fan Worm, Caulerpa, or the Northern Pacific Sea Star, a serious threat to shellfish and New Zealand's multi-million-dollar aquaculture industry.' Bruce Kendall, MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, Howick Local Board Member, passionate sailor, and environmentalist supports the concept. 'The Tāmaki River is a unique ecosystem and has so far avoided some of the current plague of marine pests. The more boats that travel from the city and up the river to haul out the higher the risk. He adds: 'Many boating clubs around the country operate haul outs successfully on a volunteer basis. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club has operated a seasonal haul out for many years using the same model as that being proposed by NZMYC. This proposal needs to be accepted for the sake of the environment if nothing else.' While no single measure can solve Auckland's marine biosecurity challenges, this proposal reduces the interregional pest transfer, supports sustainable maintenance, and helps protect the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf ecosystems. It also strengthens partnerships between recreational users and environmental goals. 'New marinas are being built without haul-out facilities. That's left a glaring gap in a city defined by boating,' says Percival. 'This proposal helps close that gap by using existing infrastructure and a community that's ready to lead.' The site already supports a range of community activities, including waka ama, dinghy storage, parking, and educational programmes. NZMYC is committed to working alongside existing users to ensure inclusive and collaborative use of the space. With thoughtful planning, everyone wins. More than 1,600 public submissions were received on the site's future, with 64% in favour of retaining haul-out capability. The proposal has also received positive engagement from Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board. 'We support a vision for green spaces - but parks and healthy harbours can work together,' says Percival. 'This is about protecting our marine environment and using existing assets wisely. It's a practical solution that reflects what Aucklanders value.' Approving this plan would give the Board a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy - one that reflects leadership in protecting the Hauraki Gulf, and one that future generations will thank them for. A locally led operation like this — small in scale but high in environmental value — empowers the boating community to take responsibility for their impact. 'It may be small, but it's smart, effective, and community-driven — a real example of the little yard that could,' says Percival. A decision from the Ōrākei Local Board is expected on 17 July. Supporters are encouraged to share their views with the Board at orakeilocalboard@ or by attending the meeting in person: 3:00pm, 17 July St Chads Church & Community Centre 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Boats barred from mooring at Little Barrier Island after caulerpa discovery
Caulerpa covers rocks in Okipu Bay, on Great Barrier Island. Photo: Luka Forman All anchoring around Auckland's Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf has been stopped immediately after an invasive seaweed was discovered. Caulerpa has spread across northern New Zealand since it was first discovered four years ago. Biosecurity New Zealand's director of pest management John Walsh said the discovery of patches of the weed on the north and east coasts of the island was disappointing. The ban, known as a Controlled Area Notice or CAN, is to stop its spread further. He said the weed could be inadvertently moved when small pieces were caught on anchors, anchor chains, and fishing/dive equipment. Ngāti Manuhiri is placing a rāhui over the area. Meanwhile, Local Democracy Reporting reported the government was throwing more than $6 million at developing world-first industrial-scale technology to fight caulerpa as it was confirmed in the Bay of Islands for the first time earlier this year. It was found at six sites, Northland Regional Council confirmed in March. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Rapid Response Underway To Remove Invasive Seaweed Found Near Little Barrier Island
Press Release – Ngati Manuhiri Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been located at three sites off the North-East coast of Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island). Nicola Rata-MacDonald, Chief Executive of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, says the discovery of caulerpa at Hauturu is yet another indication that Te Moananui-a-toi (the Hauraki Gulf) is under threat, and is in need of urgent restorative action. 'Hauturu is one of the most significant conservation areas in the world—New Zealand's first ever nature reserve—and decisive action is needed to protect this taonga.' Nicola says. 'Today, our team marked the beginning of the Hauturu Rapid Response by laying a karakia over the area, and we will lead the attack on Caulerpa at Hauturu to eliminate this pest from our rohe moana. 'Our work with officials has shown that swift operational action is not hindered by a culturally informed response—it has been Ngāti Manuhiri pushing for action since this incursion was first discovered at Hauturu.' Despite claims that Caulerpa cannot be eradicated, the Trust successfully removed an infestation at Omaha Cove in Leigh in June 2024—the first and only instance of this happening in New Zealand. Ms Rata-MacDonald says that time is of the essence to ensure a successful response. 'While the patch of caulerpa we managed to eradicate at Leigh was small, we were successful because we didn't wait for it to spread and get out of hand.' Nicola says. 'Our kaitiaki responded immediately to treat the infestation, in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tamaki Makaurau and supported by the University of Auckland, showing that if treated with the urgency that any biosecurity incursion deserves, we can get on top of this invasive pest. 'We cannot continue to treat caulerpa as a case study, it must be confronted with action which recognises the existential threat to our moana that it is. That's what our team will be doing over the coming days.' Recent comments from the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries confirming the Government will not take action to prevent bottom trawling in the Gulf has alarmed the Trust, who say that trawling will only help to spread exotic caulerpa further throughout the Gulf. 'Almost three-quarters of the Hauraki Gulf is open to bottom trawling and Danish seining – a destructive fishing method where weighted nets are dragged along the seafloor, ripping up everything in their path.' Nicola says. 'Caulerpa is already spreading throughout the Gulf, and allowing bottom trawling to continue only increases the risk of fragmentation and further spreading of this invasive seaweed. 'We are under siege from this pest, and rather than committing the investment needed to remove and eliminate exotic caulerpa, the Minister has confirmed the Government will only make it easier to destroy our benthic habitats, whether with nets or with weeds. 'We're calling on the Government to protect the Gulf by banning bottom trawling, investing in the eradication of exotic caulerpa, and urgently progressing the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill —without amendment—to ensure we can restore the waiora and mauri of the Gulf.' NOTES: Exotic Caulerpa was first detected at Hauturu on 6 May 2025 at the following sites: Site 1 – The Queen South (-36.1727, 175.1082) Site 2 – Waimaomao Bay (-36.1677, 175.0968) Site 3 – Waimaomao Bay (-36.1693451, 175.0952474) About Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is the post settlement governance entity (PSGE) responsible for representing the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū and iwi members, giving effect to the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. Established in 2011, the Trust is committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Ngāti Manuhiri whānau. Our rohe, moana, and interests are across Te Moananui-ā-Toi including the inner and outer islands and rocky outcrops from Aotea, to Te Paepae o Tu, to Hauturu, and Takapuna. Te Moananui-ā-Toi is the greater oceans encompassing the Hauraki Gulf and Hauraki marine park and so, we refer to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana as Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The Trust's work centres on the protection of the taiao, reinvigoration of community purpose and service, maintenance of cultural integrity and investing to support the economic prosperity of future generations. More information on Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust can be found at
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Rapid Response Underway To Remove Invasive Seaweed Found Near Little Barrier Island
Press Release – Ngati Manuhiri Today, our team marked the beginning of the Hauturu Rapid Response by laying a karakia over the area, and we will lead the attack on Caulerpa at Hauturu to eliminate this pest from our rohe moana. Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been located at three sites off the North-East coast of Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island). Nicola Rata-MacDonald, Chief Executive of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, says the discovery of caulerpa at Hauturu is yet another indication that Te Moananui-a-toi (the Hauraki Gulf) is under threat, and is in need of urgent restorative action. 'Hauturu is one of the most significant conservation areas in the world—New Zealand's first ever nature reserve—and decisive action is needed to protect this taonga.' Nicola says. 'Today, our team marked the beginning of the Hauturu Rapid Response by laying a karakia over the area, and we will lead the attack on Caulerpa at Hauturu to eliminate this pest from our rohe moana. 'Our work with officials has shown that swift operational action is not hindered by a culturally informed response—it has been Ngāti Manuhiri pushing for action since this incursion was first discovered at Hauturu.' Despite claims that Caulerpa cannot be eradicated, the Trust successfully removed an infestation at Omaha Cove in Leigh in June 2024—the first and only instance of this happening in New Zealand. Ms Rata-MacDonald says that time is of the essence to ensure a successful response. 'While the patch of caulerpa we managed to eradicate at Leigh was small, we were successful because we didn't wait for it to spread and get out of hand.' Nicola says. 'Our kaitiaki responded immediately to treat the infestation, in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tamaki Makaurau and supported by the University of Auckland, showing that if treated with the urgency that any biosecurity incursion deserves, we can get on top of this invasive pest. 'We cannot continue to treat caulerpa as a case study, it must be confronted with action which recognises the existential threat to our moana that it is. That's what our team will be doing over the coming days.' Recent comments from the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries confirming the Government will not take action to prevent bottom trawling in the Gulf has alarmed the Trust, who say that trawling will only help to spread exotic caulerpa further throughout the Gulf. 'Almost three-quarters of the Hauraki Gulf is open to bottom trawling and Danish seining – a destructive fishing method where weighted nets are dragged along the seafloor, ripping up everything in their path.' Nicola says. 'Caulerpa is already spreading throughout the Gulf, and allowing bottom trawling to continue only increases the risk of fragmentation and further spreading of this invasive seaweed. 'We are under siege from this pest, and rather than committing the investment needed to remove and eliminate exotic caulerpa, the Minister has confirmed the Government will only make it easier to destroy our benthic habitats, whether with nets or with weeds. 'We're calling on the Government to protect the Gulf by banning bottom trawling, investing in the eradication of exotic caulerpa, and urgently progressing the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill —without amendment—to ensure we can restore the waiora and mauri of the Gulf.' NOTES: Exotic Caulerpa was first detected at Hauturu on 6 May 2025 at the following sites: Site 1 – The Queen South (-36.1727, 175.1082) Site 2 – Waimaomao Bay (-36.1677, 175.0968) Site 3 – Waimaomao Bay (-36.1693451, 175.0952474) About Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is the post settlement governance entity (PSGE) responsible for representing the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū and iwi members, giving effect to the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. Established in 2011, the Trust is committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Ngāti Manuhiri whānau. Our rohe, moana, and interests are across Te Moananui-ā-Toi including the inner and outer islands and rocky outcrops from Aotea, to Te Paepae o Tu, to Hauturu, and Takapuna. Te Moananui-ā-Toi is the greater oceans encompassing the Hauraki Gulf and Hauraki marine park and so, we refer to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana as Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The Trust's work centres on the protection of the taiao, reinvigoration of community purpose and service, maintenance of cultural integrity and investing to support the economic prosperity of future generations. More information on Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust can be found at
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Rapid Response Underway To Remove Invasive Seaweed Found Near Little Barrier Island
Patches of the invasive seaweed Exotic Caulerpa have been located at three sites off the North-East coast of Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island). Nicola Rata-MacDonald, Chief Executive of the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, says the discovery of caulerpa at Hauturu is yet another indication that Te Moananui-a-toi (the Hauraki Gulf) is under threat, and is in need of urgent restorative action. "Hauturu is one of the most significant conservation areas in the world—New Zealand's first ever nature reserve—and decisive action is needed to protect this taonga.' Nicola says. 'Today, our team marked the beginning of the Hauturu Rapid Response by laying a karakia over the area, and we will lead the attack on Caulerpa at Hauturu to eliminate this pest from our rohe moana. 'Our work with officials has shown that swift operational action is not hindered by a culturally informed response—it has been Ngāti Manuhiri pushing for action since this incursion was first discovered at Hauturu.' Despite claims that Caulerpa cannot be eradicated, the Trust successfully removed an infestation at Omaha Cove in Leigh in June 2024—the first and only instance of this happening in New Zealand. Ms Rata-MacDonald says that time is of the essence to ensure a successful response. 'While the patch of caulerpa we managed to eradicate at Leigh was small, we were successful because we didn't wait for it to spread and get out of hand.' Nicola says. 'Our kaitiaki responded immediately to treat the infestation, in partnership with Te Kaunihera o Tamaki Makaurau and supported by the University of Auckland, showing that if treated with the urgency that any biosecurity incursion deserves, we can get on top of this invasive pest. 'We cannot continue to treat caulerpa as a case study, it must be confronted with action which recognises the existential threat to our moana that it is. That's what our team will be doing over the coming days.' Recent comments from the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries confirming the Government will not take action to prevent bottom trawling in the Gulf has alarmed the Trust, who say that trawling will only help to spread exotic caulerpa further throughout the Gulf. 'Almost three-quarters of the Hauraki Gulf is open to bottom trawling and Danish seining - a destructive fishing method where weighted nets are dragged along the seafloor, ripping up everything in their path.' Nicola says. 'Caulerpa is already spreading throughout the Gulf, and allowing bottom trawling to continue only increases the risk of fragmentation and further spreading of this invasive seaweed. 'We are under siege from this pest, and rather than committing the investment needed to remove and eliminate exotic caulerpa, the Minister has confirmed the Government will only make it easier to destroy our benthic habitats, whether with nets or with weeds. 'We're calling on the Government to protect the Gulf by banning bottom trawling, investing in the eradication of exotic caulerpa, and urgently progressing the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill —without amendment—to ensure we can restore the waiora and mauri of the Gulf.' Exotic Caulerpa was first detected at Hauturu on 6 May 2025 at the following sites: Site 1 - The Queen South (-36.1727, 175.1082) Site 2 - Waimaomao Bay (-36.1677, 175.0968) Site 3 - Waimaomao Bay (-36.1693451, 175.0952474) About Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is the post settlement governance entity (PSGE) responsible for representing the Ngāti Manuhiri hapū and iwi members, giving effect to the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Act 2012. Established in 2011, the Trust is committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Ngāti Manuhiri whānau. Our rohe, moana, and interests are across Te Moananui-ā-Toi including the inner and outer islands and rocky outcrops from Aotea, to Te Paepae o Tu, to Hauturu, and Takapuna. Te Moananui-ā-Toi is the greater oceans encompassing the Hauraki Gulf and Hauraki marine park and so, we refer to the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana as Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The Trust's work centres on the protection of the taiao, reinvigoration of community purpose and service, maintenance of cultural integrity and investing to support the economic prosperity of future generations. More information on Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust can be found at
