I was pleased to receive an invitation to the Pest free Warrant celebrations at Marina
Terrace on Thursday hosted by Auckland Council and DOC.
The Hauraki Gulf Islands are celebrating their first year of being pest free. The pest -free warrant scheme is a key part of the Treasure Islands biosecurity programme run by Auckland Council and DOC, The purpose being to give accreditation for commercial vessels and tourism operators visiting islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
The
enthusiasm for growing the value of the islands with increased releases of
birds, tuatara, etc was very easy to see amongst this group of around a hundred
people.. It is estimated the Hauraki Gulf generates almost a billion dollars in
revenue and carries 15.000 jobs and so it is very important to the region.