Great Barrier Island – Paradise going….going……or???

A bush clad hilly cloud covered island, hidden homes, walking tracks, beach baches, rusty cars by the roadside…Whites sandy beaches, paradise coloured seas, shipwrecks, fish, dolphins, shellfish, long lines, long haired inhabitants, art, island hours……

In the 1800’s three white families joined the Maoris on Great Barrier Island, the Sandersons, the Blackwells and the Medlands and took up farming. Today beaches, roads and other landmarks are named after them. Forestry, whaling and mining industries thrived for many years. Now the kauri dams and the whaling station, no longer used, are falling into disrepair, and the farmland, much of which is slowly reverting back to forest, signal signs of change. The rusty neglected cars now pile up in a field, and current car owners are subjected to frequent Wof and Registration blitzes by the Auckland City Council. The kiwi style baches are few now – replaced by new affluent holiday homes, the designs inclining towards a concession to the island style. There are very few sections below $400,000. The locals, forced off by laws prohibiting dole bludgers living there with no prospect of work, and enticed by the high prices overseas investors are paying for their properties, now live elsewhere. The resident population has declined to 700 from over 1000 a few years ago. Most of the island is publicly owned, and the majority by overseas interests. The Department of Conservation administers around 60% of the whole island.

Today ‘s residents are business people; artists, local services and amenities providers, land and mussel farmers. Tourism is growing. There are plenty of choices of accommodation - luxury to back packers. Conservation issues are important – preservation of the beaches, encouragement of native bird life, the methods to eradicate predators. Improvements are being made to the walking tracks, beach areas and camping grounds which have excellent toilet facilities. Lively, heated debates abound as the locals work through the Auckland CC and DOC's plans for the Island. How to get rid of the rats? Feral cats – not wanted, but don’t pet cats prey on birds as well?

Local personalities, such as sailor, conservationist and politician Tony Bouzaid dance between the authorities and the islanders, working towards creating an eco friendly vision of the Island for future generations.

While Tryphena, the settlement in the Southern part of the Island looks as if it hasn’t and won’t change quickly, there are some very exciting prospects at Port Fitzroy, in the north which will bring considerable economical benefits to the island.

Around 14 years ago, Tony and Mal Bouzaid purchased the nearly derelict Fitzroy House and surrounding land. They rebuilt the house, and set about creating a sanctuary for endangered native plants and bird life, including the North Island Robin, which had not been seen on the Island for many years.. In August 2005, Tony and Mal were awarded the Conservation Achievement Award in Biodiversity Protection and Restoration by the Minister of Conservation the Hon Chris Carter, for their work.
Today the property offers visitors unique educational and recreational experiences for everyone.

Northwards, over the hill in Karaka Bay the Sir Edmond Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre has established its Marine Centre. Offering a huge variety of water based learning activities for everyone, the Centre will bring thousands of young and old to the island for 35 weeks of each year.

In spite of the lengthy consultation processes between governing authorities and the island’s eclectic population Great Barrier Island, I believe, has a unique and exciting future. Yes, there will be hundreds of expensive new homes with absentee owners. Yes, the population will swell 10fold every summer holiday. But there won’t be any destructive pests. Now go and stroll along those well maintained walking tracks though the regenerated native forests over the hills, marvel at the variety or plants, and listen to the kakas, robins, kingfishers, warblers – and isn’t that a…. ??? A balanced and lush ecosystem, Great Barrier Island is, a treasure for future generations. Paradise going? I don’t think so. Hmm, shall I go paddling at the clear seawater or kayaking? Oh look, there are hundreds of those brown teal ducks – weren’t they endangered once?

For the best information about Great Barrier Island get the brochure “Great Barrier Island Aotea – Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park” from the Department of Conservation.