| Maori: | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | Westland District |
| Total islands | 2 |
| Country | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | (?) |
The Open Bay Islands are located off the south-west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The group comprises two main islands Taumaka and Popotai plus several smaller islets and rocks. They lie approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) offshore from the Okuru River mouth, near Haast and are owned by Poutini Ngai Tahu.
Taumaka is the larger island (c. 20 ha/49 acres, 660 m/722 yd long and 260 m/284 yd wide reaching a plateau 21 m/69 ft above sea level) and is separated from Popotai (400 m/437 yd long and 200 m/219 yd wide) by a narrow channel.[1] [2] Although introduced mammals are not known ever to have reached the islands, the introduction of weka (a native flightless rail, Gallirallus australis) from the South Island in the early 1900s is believed to have had an adverse impact on the flora and fauna of the islands.[1][2][3][4] The Open Bay Islands support several endemic species, including a terrestrial leech (Hirudobdella antipodum),[1][2] an undescribed gecko species (aff. Hoplodactylus granulatus),[5] and a skink - the Open Bay Islands skink.
The Department of Conservation have recommended to the Minister of Conservation that weka should be removed from the islands. The Trust which governs the island agreed to having them removed on the condition that they are not killed.[6]