December 22, 2023

Manuhiri steps up caulerpa push for summer

Adam Gifford Posted On December 22, 2023

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust is stepping up efforts over summer to rid its moana of the invasive caulerpa seaweed.

The exotic weed, which forms dense mats across the seabed, was discovered near Kawau Island in June.

Chief executive Nicola MacDonald says the iwi is no longer prepared to wait on government agencies it believes have been slow to act on the threat to fisheries and the marine ecosystem.

The Mahere Ārai Moana Raumati programme includes monitoring as well as distributing information and giving disposable bags to boaties and fishers so they can dispose caulerpa if it’s found.