In the Hauraki Gulf, less than an hour's ferry ride from Auckland, NZ is the island of Motutapu, and a successful environmental project supported for 24 years by the Rotary Club of Newmarket working with the Motutapu Restoration Trust, the Department of Conservation, and the people of the land Ngai Tai.
The project was the recipient of the Rotary District 9920 Environmental Award at the 2014 Conference and it was selected by then District Governors Phil Ashton of District 9910 and Willard Martin of District 9920 for a visit by then Rotary International President Elect Gary Huang and his wife Corinna on May 21. Accompanied by Rotarians, the international guests travelled in style on the super yacht Pacific Mermaid supplied through the generosity of former Governor and Skipper Ken Winter and Bente.
Motutapu Island was formed in Jurassic times, has an area of 1500 hectares, is farmed in partnership with the Department of Conservation, and has a popular camping ground. It also has many archaeological sites from pre-European occupation and formed part of the defences of Auckland during WWII.
Thanks to this Rotary project partnership with the Motutapu Restoration Trust, Motutapu island and adjoining Rangitoto Island are pest free, the Home Bay wharf was repaired, and a nursery of local native plants was established near the education centre. The Rotary Centennial Walkway project was officially opened in 2005, 90 hectares of plantings are completed out of 500 hectares eventually planned, the homestead was restored as a visitor centre, and the Red Barn rebuilt for the volunteers. Over 60 native bird species have returned, including releases of Kiwi and Takahe.
Gary and Corinna toured the Rotary project and learnt of current work underway to complete a loop track, and in particular construction of the Home Bay Stream Bridge and the Monument Lookout.
Additional funding is being sought from fellow clubs, particularly in District 9910 and District 9920, to assist with completing this important environmental project for future generations. Contact Trustee of the Motutapu Restoration Trust Iain MacKenzie, of the Rotary Club of Newmarket, via 027 495 5226 or ismackenzie@xtra.co.nz.
