Murihiku Ki Te Tonga joint expedition to prepare for busy NZ Sub Antarctic Islands visitor season
A Joint Department of Conservation and Murihiku Regeneration NZ Subantarctic Islands (NZ Subs) expedition left Bluff on 4 November to undertake a key preparatory programme for the island locations to be ready for a busy 2024-25 visitor season that will include research teams and cruise ship operators.
The Expedition has been led by Amy Duffill-Brookes, Senior Ranger - Heritage and Visitor, for the Murihiku District. Vincent Leith, from Leith Contracting representing Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) also participated in the expedition. This has also been supported by Murihiku Regeneration through its Murihiku ki te Tonga (MKTT) Programme, with a team member focused on island infrastructure, predator control and cultural opportunities.
There has been an extensive work programme undertaken, with the primary focus being to complete maintenance on critical infrastructure in preparation for research teams heading to the NZ Subs and also our boardwalk for this season’s cruise ship visits.
Some of the key tasks completed on Campbell Island (Moutere Ihupuku) have included key repairs and maintenance at Beeman Base and Northwest Bay Hut; also, general Island projects to improve visitor safety and experience. On Tine Keke, the Snares a similar work programme has been completed.
This joint expedition is an example of the important partnership with mana whenua that we have been developing around the NZ Subs in the last 12 months. In particular, with the MKTT team, who have made their intentions and desire for collaboration clear”, said John McCarroll, the Department of Conservation Southern Operation Manager.
“We are pleased to be able to demonstrate our willingness to collaborate, also our capability, expertise, and cultural competence in regard to the NZ Subs. These are places of significance to us,”
“We have identified a number of future collaboration projects in the NZ Subs, where will be focusing over the next 12 months, along with our project partners”, said Riki Nicholas, MKTT Programme lead.
The Joint expedition is due back on 25 November, and will be reporting on its progress, which will be shared at the 2024 Murihiku Regeneration Oceans, Energy and Innovation Wānanga to be held over 26-27 November in Invercargill.
Posted: 22 November 2024