Photo / Will Trafford

For many residents and visitors to Aotea Great Barrier Island, the scattered remnants of old Landrovers are a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. These sturdy vehicles, having once been the sole adventurers on our rugged and unpaved roads, have a romantic quality that evokes tales of the island's resilient spirit. However, the undeniable charm of these rusted relics should not blind us to the perils of allowing other, less iconic, decaying vehicles to tarnish our island's natural beauty.

While some see them as harmless or even quirky landmarks, clapped out cars pose a very real threat to our environment, particularly our waterways and the groundwater that many of us depend on for drinking. The harms are not always immediately visible. As vehicles rust and degrade, they leach a cocktail of toxic chemicals into the ground. Lead, mercury, and arsenic, notorious for their adverse health effects, can find their way into our water systems, endangering both human and marine life. Fluids such as brake fluid, antifreeze, and engine oil, packed with carcinogenic compounds, seep into our land, affecting its fertility and our safety.

However, we're not proposing an indiscriminate purge of Aotea's automotive history. We acknowledge the affection some hold for certain relics, and this initiative seeks a middle ground. We're appealing to the local board for a grant that would support the collection of decaying vehicles residents want gone. These will be transported back to the mainland, where they can be wrecked for parts or safely processed and scrapped. Notably, any recoverable parts would first be made available to mechanics or DIYers, preserving the spirit of sustainability and community that the island cherishes.

We're hoping everyone recognizes the distinction between cherishing our history and endangering our future. If you have vehicles ripe for collection or wish to express your support, please sign our petition advocating for the local board's funding.

Our island is not just our home; it's a haven for unique flora, fauna, and marine life. Let's ensure it remains a paradise, free from the blemishes of decay, for generations to come.