In a remarkable display of dedication and collaboration, Te Tauroa native plant nursery, managed by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Kaipātiki Project have successfully completed a high-stakes biosecurity plant transfer mission, delivering 3,000 native plants of 13 different species to Motutapu. This operation, necessitated by stricter biosecurity measures for larger-grade plants, showcased extraordinary handling precautions and meticulous planning.
The process began on a Thursday in April, with each plant being unpotted and individually inspected for ants, plague skink eggs, rusts, diseases and weeds. After passing inspection, the plants were repacked into sealed containers overnight. At 6 AM on Friday, in the pre-dawn darkness, every one of the 17 containers was checked by Te Papa Atawhai (the Department of Conservation) Biosecurity team members and their dogs, before embarking on their journey by water taxi. By 3 PM, all 3,000 plants had been repotted and settled on the island, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Te Papa Atawhai. The Department of Conservation team noted that these plants set a new standard.
This mission was made possible and facilitated by Te Aka Kōtuia - Kaitiaki & Community Nurseries. Established in 2018, Te Aka Kōtuia aims to increase biodiversity across the Auckland Region by encouraging community nurseries to work collectively. Supported by Auckland Council Biosecurity and Biodiversity, Kaipātiki Project and Uru Whakaaro partnered to facilitate and support this network. With 40+ nurseries on board, the kaupapa of Te Aka Kōtuia is to share information, methods, and seeds across native plant nurseries, thereby enhancing the biodiversity of native plant life in the region.
Motutapu is pest-free and home to translocated endangered species such as takahē and kiwi. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep Motutapu free from pest incursions. This mission underscores the critical importance of robust biosecurity protocols and highlights the preferred method for regenerating the island's ecosystems: seed collection and propagation well in advance.
“A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved, especially the nursery crew for growing the 3,000 seedlings that passed the Department of Conservation's biosecurity checks with flying colours,” says Charmaine Bailie, founder of Uru Whakaaro.
This successful mission is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication required to protect and restore the unique ecosystems of Aotearoa. This is a great example of community spirit, environmental stewardship and innovative biosecurity practices that set new standards for the future.
Te Tauroa Nursery, managed by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, plays a crucial role in Motutapu restoration efforts by propagating plants for revegetation using locally sourced seeds.
For more information about Te Aka Kōtuia and to get involved, please visit their Facebook page or website.