Kōpuahingahinga Island[1] is an island within the Pahurehure Inlet of the Manukau Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand. Kōpuahingahinga and Pararēkau Island, are together known as the Hingaia Islands.[1] It covers an area of 8.0 hectares (20 acres), and is near the Drury Creek. It is privately owned, and connected to the mainland and to neighbouring Parerēkau Island by causeways.[2]
 Aerial view of Kōpuahingahinga Island between Pararēkau Island and the mainland | |
 | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auckland |
| Coordinates | 37°04′00″S 174°54′30″E / 37.06667°S 174.90833°E |
| Adjacent to | Pahurehure Inlet, Manukau Harbour |
| Area | 8.0 ha (20 acres) |
| Length | 400 m (1300 ft) |
| Width | 250 m (820 ft) |
| Administration | |
New Zealand | |
| Region | Auckland City |
History
editIn 2001 or 2002 the island was bought by the Karaka Harbourside Estate.[3] In 2015, it was reported that Chinese investors purchased Kōpuahingahinga Island alongside Pararekau Island for $41.5 million with plans for turning the islands into a luxury resort and a native reserve.[3][4] There have been local efforts to stop it from being developed.[5]
Flora
editA botanical survey was held on the island in 2010, finding 100 vascular plants. The island contains Pinus radiata, Myrsine australis, Cyathea dealbata, Geniostoma ligustrifolium, Leptecophylla juniperina, Coprosma lucida, kānuka, mānuka, dwarf mistletoe, Epacris pauciflora. It has a few small areas of salt marsh, containing the plants Juncus kraussii, Baumea juncea and Apodasmia similis.[2]
The island has been described as having a relatively low level of weeds, including pampas grass, gorse, Asparagus asparagoides and Japanese honeysuckle. There are many weeds alongside the roadside, which have either been planted there or dumped. These weeds include Agapanthus praecox, Jasminum polyanthum, periwinkle, and Mauritus hemp.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "I429 Pararekau and Kopuahingahinga Island Precinct" (PDF). Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "The botany of Kopuahingahinga Island, Pahurehure Inlet, Auckland" (PDF). Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Resort plans for two Auckland islands". Stuff. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ Team (3 February 2016). "CHINESE BUY AUCKLAND ISLANDS FOR $41.5M". Hotel Magazine. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ "Save our island - Aucklander News". NZ Herald. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.