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Where are the Waitakere Ranges?

The Waitakere Ranges Protection Society is saddened by the recent passing of Emeritus Professor John Morton. His contribution to New Zealand science and specifically to our knowledge of the Waitakere coast marine zoology is unsurpassed.

A patron of the Society (together with Dr. Lucy Cranwell-Smith) since its formation in 1973, Professor Morton was a pivotal influence in the protection and conservation of the Waitakere Ranges. As the marine life on the rocky coastline came under threat in the 1990's from human predation and natural events, his support was very important in getting protection of shellfish at Karekare and Piha.

He was an inspirational teacher, and many people who were fortunate to accompany him on field trips will remember his enthusiasm as he shared his extensive knowledge and deep respect for the environment.

The Society are honoured to have had his support for the past 38 years, and wish to pass our condolences on to his family, friends and colleagues.

Full List of Achievements 1973-2002 (ms-word format)

The Auckland region derives much of its unique character from the magnificent forest-clad ranges to the west - the Waitakere Ranges. This expansive area of native forest has been occupied for more than a thousand years. The impact of people has been greatest in the last one hundred and fifty years when the kauri giants were felled.

Today the Ranges are recovering. Much of the land has been protected and is regenerating. However forest recovery is now severely jeopardised by weeds and pests which kill mature bush and prevent regrowth.
On privately owned land, continuing subdivision and bush clearance not only damage the immediate environment but also place the larger region at risk of further degradation both visually and ecologically.
The Waitakere Ranges has a significant coastline, nature at its most powerful and poignant, but is stressed though the increasing number of visitors, intensive recreation, and excessive fishing and shellfish gathering.
The Te Henga wetland is the region's most important swamp, a vital habitat for fifteen species of native birds. Yet here too land clearance and weed invasion insidiously threaten its ecological viability.

The cumulative effect of all this is irreparable damage to the region's outstanding natural landscape. Continuing vigilance is needed to protect the Ranges from such an outcome.

 The Society's fundamental goals are:

To protect Auckland's western forest and coastline from degradation and to promote its conservation.

To enhance environmental values and restore disturbed areas to ecological health.

To see the region managed and nurtured by a unified and consistent philosophy of protection.

To provide an unequivocal voice speaking for this area of exceptional natural heritage.

The Ranges are a place of high value, for its ecosystems, for the beauty of its rugged landscape, its ocean and harbour shore and for its native plant and animal life. 
It is important that places like this are protected for their own sake and also for their value to people. 
We have a duty, to think about the generations yet to come as well. We owe them an inheritance that is not debased and ruined because of short-term thinking and inappropriate development.