Coastal birds like tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) are facing shrinking habitats between rising sea levels and human developments on land.
Atawhai whenua… a kindness to the land.
This sums up our approach to Waiheke’s native flora and fauna.
The Hauraki Gulf branch is an integral part of Waiheke’s conservation community. Our members regularly take part in planting, pest control and restoration projects.
Our Reserves
The island contains a variety of special natural habits, including wetlands, old bush remnants, extensive regenerating bush, and coastal ecosystems. Waiheke Island is currently free from kauri dieback disease and two of our three reserves are closed to protect kauri. Regular working bees are held at Atawhai Whenua Reserve, which remains open for public access.
- Atawhai Whenua Reserve.
- Onetangi Reserve - closed to protect against kauri dieback disease.
- Te Haahi-Goodwin Reserve - closed to protect against kauri dieback disease.
Keeping Waiheke free of kauri dieback
The island is currently free of kauri dieback disease and it’s important we keep it that way.
Please clean your shoes carefully at cleaning stations at the ferry terminals and before you enter reserves on Waiheke.
It’s important to clean vehicles and equipment before travelling to Waiheke, particularly if you have been in the Waitakere Ranges or other areas where kauri dieback disease is killing numerous trees.
Avoid bringing soil to the island in pot plants.
Get involved
We are always looking for help with our major projects, newsletters, and fundraising applications.
How you can help:
- Join us in re-vegetation, planting and weed control
- Help with Pest control and eradication
- Help with publicity and public relations
- Contribute to our branch newsletter
- Help with funding applications
- RMA and district plan submissions and monitoring
- Join our committee
- Sponsor a sign
- Make a donation to Forest & Bird’s Hauraki Islands Branch.
- Join us at a local event.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or making a donation, please contact Hue Ross on 021 141 0183 or email hauraki.branch@forestandbird.org.nz.
