Curious about an island with a dual identity? Today we are exploring Mākaro / Ward Island. This small island sits in Wellington Harbour. It has a rich history and unique ecosystem.
Mākaro / Ward Island lies on the eastern side of the harbour. It is about 1.7 kilometres west of Eastbourne. The island is 250 metres long and 80 metres wide. Matiu / Somes Island is much larger. It lies about 5 km northwest of Mākaro / Ward Island.
Māori tradition says Kupe named both islands. He was the first navigator to reach New Zealand and return. Kupe supposedly named them after his daughters. This happened when he first entered the harbour 1000 years ago. The New Zealand Geographic Board made the name official in 1997. It assigned the bilingual name Mākaro/Ward Island. Later, they changed the formatting to include spaces around the slash.
The island has steep sides. It is made of yellowy brown argillite. The top is more or less flat. Greywacke shingle forms a beach on the east side. Smaller beaches lie on the western side, backed by 20m high cliffs. Small reefs surround the island, especially at the south end. Ships pass to the west of Mākaro / Ward Island. The passage between the island and Eastbourne is too shallow for large vessels.
Mākaro / Ward Island has served as a defense work. In the early 19th century, a Ngāti Ira pā of refuge existed there. It was not usually inhabited. The island’s cliffs provided natural protection. During World War II, an anti-submarine barrier was built. It stretched from Robinson Bay to the island’s eastern shore. A net extended from the island’s west side to Kau Point. Today, only a few concrete blocks remain.
Recreational boaters love Mākaro / Ward Island. The reefs and rocky coast offer great fishing and snorkelling. Seaweed beds at the south end shelter fish. People can collect shellfish like pāua and green lipped mussels. Makaro Street in Eastbourne faces the island.
Mākaro / Ward Island is a DOC scientific reserve. Camping, fires, and dogs are not allowed. Seagulls and other seabirds nest on the island’s steep slopes. Otherwise, the island is uninhabited. Since 2005, DOC has maintained bait stations. These contain Brodifacoum poison to prevent rodents.
In recent times, invasive weeds became a problem. Hardy species like boxthorn and boneseed took hold. Karo and Sexton’s bride also appeared. A team worked off ropes to remove the weeds. They used loppers, pruning saws, and herbicide paste. The goal was to stop the weeds from seeding on Mākaro / Ward Island. Weed seeds arrive by birds.
Some say Mākaro has the best beach in Wellington. If you visit by private boat, check for pests and weed seeds. Avoid trampling native plants. Eastbourne residents can remove environmental weeds from their gardens.
Mākaro / Ward Island. A place of natural beauty. A place of rich history. A place of ongoing conservation.