Secretary Island
{{Short description|Island in southwestern New Zealand}}
{{use New Zealand English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox islands
| name = Secretary Island
| native_name = Ka Tū-waewae-o-Tū
| native_name_link = Māori language
| native_name_lang = Māori
| sobriquet =
| image_name = Secretary Island from Pendulo Reach of Doubtful Sound.jpg
| image_size = 270px
| image_caption = Secretary Island's eastern end
| image_alt =
| image_map = {{Infobox mapframe|id=Q121421|zoom=9|stroke-colour=#3e614c|stroke-width=2}}
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_size =
| image_map_caption = Map of Secretary Island
| pushpin_map = New Zealand Fiordland#New Zealand South Island
| pushpin_label = Secretary Island
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Secretary Island
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Secretary Island in relationship to the South Island
| coordinates = {{coord|45|15|S|166|55|E|region:NZ_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| etymology =
| location = Fiordland
| archipelago =
| total_islands =
| major_islands =
| area_km2 = 81.4
| length_km =
| width_km =
| highest_mount = Mount Grono
| elevation_m = 1196
| population = 0
| population_as_of =
| density_km2 =
| ethnic_groups =
| country = New Zealand
| additional_info =
}}
Secretary Island ({{Langx|mi|Ka Tū-waewae-o-Tū}}{{cite web |title=Secretary Island |website=NZ Gazetteer |publisher=LINZ |url=https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/39618 |access-date=1 April 2024}}) is an island in southwestern New Zealand, lying entirely within Fiordland National Park. Roughly triangular in shape, it lies between Doubtful Sound / Patea in the south and Te Awa-o-Tū / Thompson Sound in the north, with its west coast facing the Tasman Sea. To the east of the island, Pendulo Reach connects Te Awa-o-Tū / Thompson Sound with Doubtful Sound / Patea. Steeply sloped, the entirely bush-clad island rises to a chain of several peaks higher than 1000 metres. The highest of these is the {{convert|1196|m|ft|adj=on}} Mount Grono, the highest peak in the main New Zealand chain not located in the North or South Island. The island also contains three lakes. The largest, Secretary Lake, over {{convert|600|m}} long, is located beneath Mount Grono at an altitude of {{convert|550|m}}.{{cite web|title=Secretary Island, Southland – NZ Topo Map|url=http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz14127/Secretary-Island/Southland|website=NZ Topo Map|publisher=Land Information New Zealand|access-date=8 November 2016}}
The island is uninhabited, and covers {{convert|81.4|km²|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} of predominantly steep terrain almost entirely covered in dense native beech-podocarp forest, including plants such as mistletoes and mountain lancewood, which have been decimated elsewhere by the browsing of possums.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/secretary-island-restoration-project/where-is-secretary-island-and-why-is-it-so-special/|title=Where is Secretary Island and why is it so special|publisher=Department of Conservation|access-date=8 November 2016}}
Its isolation and size make Secretary Island one of the most important islands in New Zealand for the conservation efforts of vulnerable native species. The island was never inhabited by possums or rodents, and by 2007, deer and stoat were eradicated as well, making it the largest completely pest-free island in New Zealand.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/habitats/offshore-islands/fiordland-islands/project-implementation/|title=Project implementation: Fiordland Islands restoration programme|publisher=Department of Conservation|access-date=10 November 2016}}
With the removal of deer, the complete native ecosystem is thriving, with plants from ground covers through to trees supporting a healthy population of native animals from insects and spiders to native birds. Transferred populations of endangered birds in particular have been recovering thanks to the absence of rats and mice.
Pest eradication
Between 2004 and 2008, the New Zealand Department of Conservation engaged in a project to eradicate pests from the island, to help protect native species found on the island. This was the largest Fiordland island targeted to achieve pest-free status,{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/sec-is-restoration.pdf|title=Secretary Island Restoration Project|publisher=Department of Conservation|access-date=8 November 2016}} with the project aiming to eradicate deer and stoat, the only remaining animal pests present on Secretary Island at the time.
The deer population on Secretary Island was estimated at more than 700 as recently as 2006, before the eradication project reduced their numbers to a handful of deer that have still evaded capture. The removal of deer contributes significantly to the regeneration of native plants, which in turn helps support the endangered native species on the island as part of the natural process of restoration of the island's ecosystem.{{cite news|title=Wily inhabitants losing island residency battle|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/10216545/Wily-inhabitants-losing-island-residency-battle|work=The Southland Times|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|author=Neil Ratley|date=1 July 2014|access-date=8 November 2016}}
From 2004 onwards, a network of stoat traps has been created on the island, connected via tramping tracks cut through the bush. The removal of stoats will provide significant protection for native species already present on the island, such as the Fiordland crested penguin, New Zealand falcon, kākā, kiwi and kākāriki. Becoming a stoat-free sanctuary would also allow the re-introduction of other species no longer found on the mainland, such as the Fiordland skink and kākāpō.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/secretary-island-restoration-project/what-are-the-benefits-of-removing-stoats/|title=What are the benefits of removing stoats: Secretary Island restoration project|publisher=Department of Conservation|access-date=8 November 2016}}
Recovery of endangered native animals
The absence of rodents allows an abundant population of native invertebrates to thrive, including the critically endangered knobbled weevil.
In 2008, 25 New Zealand rock wrens were translocated onto Secretary Island, with excellent results. A search by DoC rangers two years later found twelve unbanded rock wrens, confirming that natural breeding started to occur shortly after the translocation.{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/in-our-nature/7866629/Rock-wrens-on-a-high|title=Rock wrens on a high|author=Toki|first=Nicola|date=26 October 2012|access-date=8 November 2016|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|author-link=Nicola Toki}} Sixteen more birds were transferred in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/rock-wren-tuke/|title=Rock wren/tuke: New Zealand native birds|publisher=Department of Conservation|access-date=8 November 2016}} With its southern location and many areas over 1000 metres above sea level, Secretary Island is the most suitable offshore island for these alpine birds, as it offers the harsh alpine areas they prefer. On the mainland, rock wren are threatened by introduced predators.
27 North Island kōkako have also been moved to Secretary Island in 2008.{{cite news|title=On the grey ghost's trail|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/9723666/On-the-grey-ghosts-trail|work=The Dominion Post|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|author=Nikki MacDonald|date=15 February 2014|access-date=8 November 2016}}
One of the largest relocations was the transfer of up to 60 yellowheads (mohua) caught in the Dart Valley and flown to Secretary Island to establish a population of these rare birds in a rat-free environment. The number of birds is sufficiently high to ensure adequate genetic diversity.{{cite news|title=Rare birds relocated in Operation Ark|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown-lakes/rare-birds-relocated-operation-ark|work=Otago Daily Times|author=James Beech|date=7 October 2008|access-date=8 November 2016}}
Other native birds transferred to the island following the eradication of stoat are South Island robin in 2008, and takahē in 2009.
Secretary Island is the only known locality of the New Zealand endemic moth species Sabatinca pluvialis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/76327/FNZ_MicropterigidaeHQ_20140630.pdf|title=Micropterigidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera)|last=Gibbs|first=G.W.|website=Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research|language=en|doi=10.7931/j2/fnz.72|access-date=2018-03-29|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131101705/https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/76327/FNZ_MicropterigidaeHQ_20140630.pdf|url-status=dead}}
Public Access
Secretary Island has been identified as a potential "Open Sanctuary" under the Fiordland National Park Draft Management Plan, which means that while it is protected, open access to the public would still be permitted. However, the island may be closed temporarily during the restoration project for stoat and deer control.{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/secretary-island-restoration-project/does-this-mean-i-wont-be-able-to-visit-the-island/|title=Does this mean I won't be able to visit the island: Secretary Island restoration project|publisher=Department of Conversation|access-date=8 November 2016}}
As with all of New Zealand's offshore conservation islands, visitors are expected to be diligent in ensuring they do not carry unwanted plant or animal pests onto Secretary Island via clothing, bags or equipment.
Image:Waterfall into Blanket Bay south of Secretary Island (outer Doubtful Sound).jpg
Blanket Bay on the southeast coast of the island has a small island in it with a wharf and a hut used for refuelling and supply by fishermen. A waterfall plunging from Secretary Island into the bay has been used in the past as a handy supply of fresh water.
Secretary Island is separated from Bauza Island by the Te Awaatu Channel, only {{convert|200|m}} wide at its narrowest point. The waters between the two islands are protected by the Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Marine Reserve. Doubtful Sound tour boats routinely travel through this channel, providing the public with an easy way to see this remote island up-close.
A radio repeater is located on Mt Grono, the highest point on the island, to provide communication coverage for boat operators in and around the Fiordland coast.{{cite news|title=Radio comms boost for Fiordland boaties|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74143759/Radio-comms-boost-for-Fiordland-boaties|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|author=Dave Nicoll|date=22 November 2015|access-date=8 November 2016}}
Earthquake
In 1993 Secretary Island was the epicentre of a Mw 6.8 earthquake, which was reportedly felt in Sydney.{{Cite web |title=GeoNet M 6.8 Secretary Island Tue, Aug 10 1993 |url=https://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/story/471730 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=GeoNet |language=en}} Ten years later, the 2003 Fiordland earthquake had an epicentre near Secretary Island.
Climate
{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y
|collapsed = Y
|location = Secretary Island (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1994–present)
| Jan record high C = 27.9
| Feb record high C = 28.3
| Mar record high C = 26.9
| Apr record high C = 23.8
| May record high C = 23.2
| Jun record high C = 18.1
| Jul record high C = 17.8
| Aug record high C = 19.4
| Sep record high C = 21.4
| Oct record high C = 22.0
| Nov record high C = 23.6
| Dec record high C = 26.0
| year record high C =
| Jan avg record high C = 23.4
| Feb avg record high C = 23.3
| Mar avg record high C = 22.4
| Apr avg record high C = 19.7
| May avg record high C = 18.2
| Jun avg record high C = 15.6
| Jul avg record high C = 15.5
| Aug avg record high C = 16.2
| Sep avg record high C = 16.8
| Oct avg record high C = 18.5
| Nov avg record high C = 20.0
| Dec avg record high C = 22.0
| year avg record high C = 24.8
| Jan avg record low C = 7.8
| Feb avg record low C = 7.8
| Mar avg record low C = 7.0
| Apr avg record low C = 5.5
| May avg record low C = 4.4
| Jun avg record low C = 3.3
| Jul avg record low C = 2.9
| Aug avg record low C = 2.8
| Sep avg record low C = 3.1
| Oct avg record low C = 3.7
| Nov avg record low C = 4.6
| Dec avg record low C = 6.9
| year avg record low C = 1.7
|Jan record low C = 5.7
|Feb record low C = 4.7
|Mar record low C = 5.1
|Apr record low C = 2.2
|May record low C = 1.0
|Jun record low C = 1.5
|Jul record low C = 0.7
|Aug record low C = 0.9
|Sep record low C = 1.0
|Oct record low C = 1.9
|Nov record low C = 1.6
|Dec record low C = 4.5
|year record low C =
|Jan high C = 18.0
|Feb high C = 18.3
|Mar high C = 17.2
|Apr high C = 15.6
|May high C = 13.7
|Jun high C = 12.2
|Jul high C = 11.8
|Aug high C = 12.2
|Sep high C = 12.9
|Oct high C = 13.8
|Nov high C = 14.8
|Dec high C = 16.7
| year high C =
|Jan mean C = 14.8
|Feb mean C = 15.1
|Mar mean C = 14.1
|Apr mean C = 12.8
|May mean C = 11.2
|Jun mean C = 9.6
|Jul mean C = 9.1
|Aug mean C = 9.5
|Sep mean C = 10.2
|Oct mean C = 10.8
|Nov mean C = 11.8
|Dec mean C = 13.5
| year mean C =
|Jan low C = 11.6
|Feb low C = 11.9
|Mar low C = 11.1
|Apr low C = 9.9
|May low C = 8.7
|Jun low C = 7.0
|Jul low C = 6.5
|Aug low C = 6.7
|Sep low C = 7.4
|Oct low C = 7.9
|Nov low C = 8.7
|Dec low C = 10.4
| year low C =
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 364.1
|Feb rain mm = 280.2
|Mar rain mm = 351.5
|Apr rain mm = 318.7
|May rain mm = 380.8
|Jun rain mm = 297.2
|Jul rain mm = 255.8
|Aug rain mm = 258.0
|Sep rain mm = 314.8
|Oct rain mm = 370.4
|Nov rain mm = 322.6
|Dec rain mm = 365.3
|year rain mm =
|source 1 = NIWA{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 9533)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 15 Oct 2024}}
}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/conservation-publications/land-and-freshwater/offshore-islands/secretary-island-restoration-project/where-is-secretary-island-and-why-is-it-so-special/ Secretary Island – Department of Conservation]
{{Fiordland}}
{{Authority control}}