Story: Weeds of agriculture

Motuara Island, Queen Charlotte Sound

Motuara Island, Queen Charlotte Sound

When British navigator James Cook arrived at Motuara Island in Queen Charlotte Sound, he found bush-covered hills that were home to vast numbers of birds. From the highest point he proclaimed British sovereignty on 1 February 1770. Crews on his voyage a few years later planted vegetables on the island, which were to spread around New Zealand. Today the island is a bird sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page:

Ian Popay, 'Weeds of agriculture - Introduction of weeds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16497/motuara-island-queen-charlotte-sound (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ian Popay, published 24 Nov 2008