Our vision is that kiwi and other native birdlife will return to the RNZYS site on Kawau Island. To achieve this the current invasive tree species need to be removed from the site. This will cost up to $150,000 in year one and will kick start the project effectively. The initial priority is to cut down the pines and clear the land for native planting.
RETAINING WHAT IS IMPORTANT, RESTORING WHAT IS DEGRADED
The RNZYS site is located within Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island. It is the south western headland of Smelting House Bay, immediately adjacent to the historic copper smelting site. The property is largely scrubby coastal forest, which has been impacted by grazing wallabies and invasive plants, including some areas of large pine and macrocarpa trees. The RNZYS are proposing to upgrade facilities on the site, including improving the amenity and ecological value of the landscape, restore the ngahere mauri (forest lifeforce) and providing habitat for the threatened native species such as kiwi and weka that live on Kawau Island. Due consideration to the history of the site is required as it has been a significant part of Auckland’s recreational boating world since the RNZYS was formed in 1871.
In year one, the aim is to garner around 5,000 native plants, including specimen trees planted around the edges to give the project an early spark, as well as smaller ground cover species to improve the landscape. We are also proposing a nursery that can hold those plants that we do not manage to plant. A nursery is also a good way to propagate plants for ongoing years, grown from seeds naturally collected on the island. In the following years we plan to plant around 2,500 plants per year to cover the RNZYS property and the adjacent DOC land. The nursery will be used to source some of these, and some extra plants would also be brought in.
Doyle Sails International is proud to have donated towards the RNZYS native reforestation of Kawau Island.
For more information on the RNZYS Kawau Island Project click here//
For more information on Doyle Sails Sustainability click here//