Busy time ahead for Tūhua

Posted by DoC: Media Release on 12/08/2011

The popularity of Tūhua / Mayor Island means that accommodation is almost fully booked for Christmas and New Year this year, building on a business partnership between the Tūhua Trust Board and Department of Conservation that is now in its third year. Overnight accommodation is still available up until Christmas, and from later in January through to Easter next year.

DOC has just completed a joint-agency exercise with Tauranga Search and Rescue and the Coastguard to help familiarise those agencies with the tracks and conditions on the island, after visitors got stuck overnight in a remote part of the island last year (the visitors walked out safe and sound the next day). DOC’s Biodiversity Programme Manager Chris Clark says the exercise was productive: “the primary purpose was to make sure that Search and Rescue have experience navigating on the island in case we face an emergency in the future, and we were able to replace old track markers and tidy up some of the tracks while we were there”.

Tauranga Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Craig Madden says his team enjoyed the trip: “We are grateful to the Tūhua Trust Board and DOC for hosting us on Tūhua. It’s important for public safety that we have experience getting around the island in case of emergency, but we do expect all visitors to go prepared and to consult the island kaitiaki before leaving South East Bay”.

The island opens for day visitors and overnight stays from Labour Weekend this year.

Tūhua Trust Board representative Jason Ake said he was pleased that visitors were able to enjoy the island whilst protecting the island values, “Tūhua is the ancestral home of Te Whānau a Tauwhao ki Tūhua and is administered by the Tūhua Trust Board. The island is remote and visitors need to be well prepared for their trip. Our kaitiaki live on the island and have the information necessary to protect visitors and the island values. In particular we urge all visitors to follow the bio-security process which protects island wildlife from introduced pests”.

It’s the third year of a business partnership between the Tühua Trust Board and Department of Conservation that aims to encourage island visitors, while working to minimise risks to the island’s pest-free status. Bookings can be made through the Tauranga Area Office of DOC.

Tühua is the Bay of Plenty’s largest off-shore island and opens for visitors from Labour Weekend until Easter. Visitors are reminded that Tühua is a privately owned Island and the Trust Board asks visitors to respect it in the same manner as they would their own properties.

Media Contacts Accommodation Bookings

Chris Clark Jason Ake DOC email: taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz

07 578 7677 029 916 7829 07 5787677

Bio-security process

Things people must do before they leave for the island:

 o Cleaning boots and other clothing, checking for seeds in particular.

o Checking and cleaning all food, especially any fruit and vegetables, looking for insects and seeds.

o Checking all camping and other gear for seeds, insects, and rodents.

o Everything packed must be checked and sealed in rat-proof containers, or at least re-checked immediately before departing for the island.

o Those bringing their own boats should set up rat traps and bait stations on board, and check for stowaways.