Oyster Island: A little island doing big things for nature

Tucked close to Nelson City, Oyster Island is one of three ecologically significant near-shore islands in our harbour.

Along with Haulashore/Motu Mānuka, it's managed by Nelson City Council and the more we learn about it, the clearer it becomes just how special it is.

The island supports a surprising variety of native plants. Pōhuehue (wire vine) scrambles across the ground and up through trees, while rare coastal plants cling to the high tide line. Among them is grey saltbush, found naturally only in the Nelson/Tasman region, and kōkihi (NZ spinach), which is a threatened species.

Restoration work has been underway since pine trees were removed in 2009. Council, alongside contractors Kūmanu, Friends of Monaco and other supporters, has tackled weeds, controlled pests and carried out targeted replanting. Progress took a hit in 2018 when Cyclone Gita flooded parts of the island with saltwater, wiping out several planting areas. But the work has continued.

One of the biggest ongoing threats is rats.

A targeted control operation in 2024 brought numbers down significantly, and there are encouraging signs. More weka and variable oystercatcher pairs appear to be nesting, and kōkihi seems to be bouncing back.

Council staff recently visited the island to gather ecological data that will shape future restoration, likely including more native planting and control of weeds like blackberry, tree lucerne and inkweed.

If you're visiting Oyster Island, please keep these in mind:

• No dogs are permitted on the island
• Give nesting birds space and if a bird looks agitated, you're too close to eggs or chicks
• No fires

With continued care from Council and the community, Oyster Island has a real chance to thrive as a haven for native wildlife right on our doorstep.