Rotoroa Island
A once-in-a-generation regeneration
This 82ha (200 acre) slice of island paradise in the Hauraki Gulf is a piece of New Zealand history and now a haven for natural plants and birds to thrive in a protected ecosystem.
For Kauri Park, the ecologist design team and for everyone involved in this large-scale restoration, the chance to transform an entire self-contained ecosystem, and return it to its natural state, was a once-in-a-generation project. Every year since planting was completed the Kauri Park team ferry over to check in with our plants and trees and see how they’re faring. We’re proud as punch of our plants that are thriving on their perfect little island.
Ecosystem: Restoration of a sanctuary
Rotoroa Island is exposed to extreme levels of environmental pressures, from the lashing of salty winds to slips and fires. We knew our plants needed to be strong enough to withstand the harsh and changeable island conditions.
The species we planted were eco sourced from seed from around the island and the surrounding Hauraki Gulf islands. Then it was over to our classic ‘nurture and nature’ care in our nurseries before shipping 100 truckloads of plants by barge across to Rotoroa. The plantings - more than 600,000 native plants, including 30,000 pohutukawa - were designed to assist with the reestablishment of native fauna and provide a sense of wellbeing for visitors to the island.
Ecovitalism: The paradigm in action on an island paradise
In February 2011 Rotoroa Island opened to the public for the first time in over 100 years as a carbon neutral island. In fact, all the trees planted are calculated to remove twice the carbon that is emitted. The island is a sanctuary for many of our native birds, acting as a ‘creche’ for Takahē chicks and the Coromandel Brown Kiwi.
The plantings have established exceptionally well and the island is considered an environmental success story.
At Kauri Park we’re delighted to have played our part in turning Rotoroa Island back into an iconic park so that everyone can visit, understand its history, relax on its beautiful tranquil beaches and enjoy its many bushwalks, filled with flourishing native flora and fauna.
