68 Boating New Zealand
BROWNS ISLAND
Success at Motuihe has given the club the confidence and
enthusiasm to lend a hand to another island in dire need of help.
Browns Island or Motukorea, says Hood, has plenty of colourful
history dating to the days of farmer settlers who tended sheep
and cattle. Many rock walls and fences remain from the period.
Quite a few old steamers were scuttled many years ago and some
of their remains can still be found.
“Today, fortunately, the island is free of rabbits or pests, but
sadly, it’s covered in kikuyu grass – an invasive species that’s very
difficult to eradicate. The island suffered a major fire a year ago,
and that became a kind of trigger to launch OBC’s rehabilitation
help programme.”
Again, working under Auckland Council Rangers’ guidance, OBC
members’ initial focus is to get rid of the many weeds and clear the
beaches of plastic and other rubbish, and replant the island with
native trees and shrubs.A world-
renowned
eco-label,
the Blue Flag
programme
operates
under the
auspices of the
Foundation for
Environmental
Education and
is based in
Denmark. To
qualify, a series
of stringent
environmental,
educational,
safety-related
and access-
related criteria
must be met and
maintained.BLUE FLAG
ABOVE Sir Dove Myer-Robinson- the mayor liked walking to work
shirtless. He also refused to have
Browns Island turned into a cesspit.
Membership will grant you a whole host of great privileges,
including access to:- 15 all-weather boat ramps • 10 washdown bays
- Boat and trailer parking • Petrol and diesel fuel jetty
- Clubhouse and marina facilities • 2 tractors
- Bait and ice station sales • Filleting station
- Free tea/coffee • Hardstand spaces (waitlisted)
- 24 hour security • Blue Flag marine accredited
- Supports sustainable fishing and the marine environment
- Supporter of many charities and trusts
OBC’s one-stop facilities are top-notch and super easy to access- all in one convenient central Auckland location.
http://www.obc.co.nz
7 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland.Sick of parking half-way around Auckland
just to launch your boat?JOIN
THE CLUB!
OBC (Outboard Boating Club of Auckland)