Conservation on Aotea/Great Barrier Island: past and present

Dr Barry Scott, Deputy Chair Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust

Aotea/Great Barrier Island is a spectacular and rugged 28,500 ha island on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf. It is home to a range of threatened ecosystems, plants and animals, as well as an array of invasive organisms that threaten this diversity. In this talk, Barry will describe past and current
conservation efforts, as well as two projects he has established at Awana on the island’s east coast to protect a Grey-faced Petrel/Ōi breeding site, and restore and protect an estuary ecosystem containing two rare plant species. He will also outline various other conservation initiatives being
undertaken on Aotea, along with the challenges these face and how they are being overcome.

View the event poster here

​Nature Talks is a series of bi-monthly talks offered by three local environmental groups—Birds New Zealand (Whanganui Region), the Whanganui branch of Forest & Bird, and the Wanganui Botanical Group—in conjunction with the Whanganui Regional Museum. The topics all relate to New Zealand’s environment, natural history and conservation. The talks are typically held on the third Tuesday of every second month.

Entrance is free, although to help cover costs, a koha is always appreciated from those who can afford it.

Please note, the usual entrance to the Davis Theatre from Watt Street, as seen in the adjacent map, is closed. Entrance to the talk will be via a side door on the opposite side of the building, accessed from the top carpark off Cameron Terrace, and signposted from Watt Street.

For more information contact Peter Frost (343 1648). Email pghfrost@xtra.co.nz