by Joan Druett
A useful summary of shipwrecks on the Auckland Islands and the establishment and provisioning of castaway depots was provided by Rachael Egerton, officer with the Southland Conservancy of the Department of Conservation. For those interested in seals and sea lions, the department posts information on its Web site, as does the New Zealand Forest and Bird Society. The birds mentioned are all described on www.nzbirds.com.
Apart from those people already acknowledged in these notes, thanks are due to my husband, Ron, who listened patiently to endless repetitions of the technical parts of the book and gave valuable advice; Roger Steele; Christiane Mortelier; Paul Dingwall; Brett Fotheringham; Ken Scadden; Dr. Simon Nathan; the publishers at Algonquin; my editor, Antonia Fusco; my loyal agent, Laura Langlie; and the fellow historian to whom this book is dedicated—Roberta McIntyre, whose early encouragement could not have been more well timed.
Today, the Auckland Islands is a World Heritage Area, UNESCO having assigned the group the highest possible conservation status. The island group supports the world’s largest populations of wandering albatross and mollymawk and protects the breeding ground of the New Zealand, or Hooker’s, sea lion, now one of the world’s rarest seals.
It is possible to visit there, but only under the most rigorous conditions. Tourist entry permits are issued, but only if a representative of the New Zealand Department of Conservation accompanies the party. Landings are allowed only at designated sites on Auckland Island and Enderby Island, the other islands being absolutely off limits. Footwear, clothing, and gear are thoroughly checked; strict measures are taken against the accidental release of mice or rats; no plants or rocks are allowed to be disturbed or removed; no animals may be closely approached; the collection of specimens or souvenirs is absolutely forbidden; no rubbish or refuse may be left behind, and smoking is not permitted.
Further information is available from:
Department of Conservation
Southland Conservancy
PO Box 743
Invercargill, New Zealand