Māori-led project restores Aotea Great Barrier Island ecosystem
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On Aotea Great Barrier Island in New Zealand, the Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea iwi is leading Tū Mai Taonga, a conservation project aimed at removing feral cats and revitalising the local environment.
The project combines predator control with a focus on strengthening community connections to the land and Māori culture.
Project lead Makere Jenner explained the work isn’t just about ecological restoration, but also about healing whānau (extended family) and enabling people to return to their ancestral home, Aotea, through employment opportunities. The initiative began by creating 90 kilometers of tracks through a rugged 3414-hectare forest, Te Paparahi, and establishing a network of traps and cameras. Initial data from the northern part of the island shows the feral cat population has dropped from an estimated 2500 to fewer than 15.
Jenner emphasized that removing the cats is a responsibility stemming from the fact that humans introduced them to the island, reflecting a Māori worldview where people are integral to the environment. Alongside removing feral cats, Tū Mai Taonga supports responsible pet ownership through free desexing, microchipping, and a registration system for domestic cats. This ensures the safety of companion animals while the project focuses on eradicating the feral population.
Residents like Judy Hale, a pensioner, have benefited from the free services, making pet care more accessible. Ultimately, the project hopes to restore a thriving ecosystem for native species like the takoketai (black petrel) and the kākā, ensuring future generations experience the abundance that previous generations once knew.
