Three Kings Kaikōmoko, Pennantia baylisiana
A fire on the remote Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands, north of New Zealand, is believed to have been lit by fireworks or a flare from a boat. The islands are a wildlife sanctuary and home to the last remaining wild Three Kings Kaikōmoko, Pennantia baylisiana, the rarest tree in the world. Source: Stuff NZ
The tree’s rarity had local iwi Ngāti Kuri and Fire and Emergency scrambling to put out the fire. The iwi would now like information about any boats in the area at the time, as the islands have a strict no-landing rule.
The fire was spotted by a boat just after midnight.
Four helicopters from private contractor Skyworks were sent to the island at first light on Sunday, and confirmed it was a small fire.
Two helicopters stayed to douse the blaze, which was 15 metres by 25 metres at its largest. The fire was fortunately nowhere near the kaikomoko, which is the last one of its kind left alive.
A total of 55,000L of water was dropped by the helicopters to control the blaze. Because of the island’s uniqueness, the Department of Conservation helped to wash the helicopters before the flight, to ensure no pests or stray seeds were accidentally introduced to the islands.
