Many positives in ecosanctuary plan
Call of ka¯ka¯po¯ could be heard here again
Ka¯ ka¯ po¯ are a step closer towards returning to Te Whanganui-a-Tara, after Greater Wellington’s environment committee, which I chair, received the feasibility study for Puketaha¯ — the Wainuiomata Ecosanctuary.
Rowi kiwi and hihi are other threatened manu ma¯ ori (native birds) whose conservation status could be improved in the proposed 3313-hectare sanctuary, if the Government agrees to enclose it with a 29km predator-proof fence.
Ka¯ ka¯ po¯ were last seen in the North Island in 1905 near Wainuiomata, takiwa¯ (territory) of Taranaki Wha¯nui ki te Upoko o te Ika (Taranaki Wha¯nui).
The feasibility study received by my committee identified that the ecosanctuary could add as much as
$160 million to the community in its first 10 years.
It’s forecast to create 47 short-term jobs, and 16 permanent high-quality careers in a needy socio-economic area, and I hope many of these positions are filled by mana whenua.
While the community supports the project, we know some are concerned that 10 hectares of forest will need to be cleared to construct the fence. If funding is approved, managing the biodiversity loss will be very important.
The environment committee noted the importance to the proposal of the partnership between Taranaki Wha¯ nui, Greater Wellington as landowner and DoC. We also particularly noted the proposal would require government funding in order to proceed.
The study indicates that approximately $42 million is required over 10 years to obtain resource consents, construct the fence and associated infrastructure, and eradicate pests.
The study found that Puketaha¯ would provide a much-needed mainland habitat for ka¯ ka¯ po¯ . Only about 200 of these unusual parrots remain, mostly on southern islands that are nearing capacity.
The study estimates Puketaha¯ could sustain about 150 ka¯ ka¯ po¯ once predator free. Expanding the birds’ breeding programme close to an urban centre would lower costs and carbon emissions, while reducing the threat of inbreeding.