2 August 2004

Manukau To Support Purchase Of Kaikoura Island

Manukau City Council is to give $63,346 as a contribution towards purchase of Kaikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf. In doing so it has joined with a number of other councils in the region which have financially supported the purchase.

The 564-hectare island, off the western coast of Great Barrier, has been secured in public ownership at a total cost of $10.5 million. The government has paid the bulk of the cost, with the ASB Community Trust contributing at least two million dollars. Manukau's contribution makes up part of the $500,000 being given by councils in the Auckland region. The island will be available to the public for conservation, outdoor recreation and educational purposes.

Initially the Council had decided it was not going to contribute but Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says is delighted that decision has been turned around. "I have long believed that every island in the Gulf should be kept in public hands if at all possible, and that when privately-owned islands come up for sale, they should be purchased for future generations. "Kaikoura will be a superb asset and provide a wonderful wilderness experience for young people."

ENDS

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