Motutapu Island lies to the south West of Rakino and is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park
Waikalabubu Bay is more or less straight across from Home Bay.
The slopes of the foreshore have been fenced for stock management and nature has been left to do what it does best…unhindered.
Back on Rakino, there’s been an influx of noxious weeds in recent times and in particular moth plant.
Much effort by Auckland City and a small dedicated local team have been working hard to eradicate and control moth plant in particular.
The cost to the Auckland City Rate payer must be significant to pursue this ecologically important task.
There has been discussion as to why this once seldom observed weed has impacted Rakino so dramatically in recent times
It’s everywhere.
We may have the answer.
Beyond a sign at Waikalabubu Bay urging everyone to
“Help Keep our Hauraki Gulf Island Pest free”
Is the most significant area of flowering moth plant one might imagine could exist.
The infestation is predictably spreading either side of Waikalabubu Bay at alarming rates.
When recognized, the green of the moth plant is discernible from Rakino.
Obviously, the parachute like seeds are impacting Rakino and could well explain the expediential increase in the number of the plants in recent times.
Perhaps pressure from Rakino residents against the various custodians of Motutapu to take their responsibilities with some seriousness, rather than just erecting a sign, may result in some positive action to rectify…..before the seeds implode…..soon.
