With its mild winters and generous rainfall, the Bay of Islands is known locally as the weed capital of the world. So Project Island Song’s volunteer weedbusters are unlikely to be short of work any time soon.
Project Island Song, which is a partnership between the Guardians of the Bay of Islands and Te Rawhiti hapū, started in 2003 to restore the mauri of the seven main islands of Ipipiri / the eastern Bay of Islands.
Since the eradication of pest animals in 2009, seven taonga species have been reintroduced to the islands, with a further 13 identified for future translocations.
The restoration of the islands’ forests is essential for providing long-term habitat for these species, and invasive weed species are a major factor inhibiting the natural regeneration of the forest.
Support from WWF-New Zealand’s Community Conservation Fund this year means the team is able to schedule regular weekend weedbusting for the first time. This creates an opportunity for more people in the community to join this important mahi.
“Beyond the benefits for the island ecosystems, it’s always rewarding to see how working together for a common kaupapa helps people to build connections with others in our community, and get out to the islands to enjoy spending time in nature,” says the project’s fundraising manager, Andy Boor.
The project is one of 18 initiatives WWF-New Zealand, in partnership with the Tindall Foundation, is supporting this year through its Community Conservation Fund.
The Fund supports local communities to run projects that conserve and restore Aotearoa’s natural environment, while also educating New Zealanders about its importance.