Island Life

Recent news, insights & articles from around the Island.

Caulerpa: an underwater invasion on our doorstep

Invasive species of Caulerpa have now been found in three locations in Auckland. The Hauturu Supporters Trust is very concerned. Kate Waterhouse, Trustee and Chair of the Aotea Great Barrier…

Welcoming Ngaire, our new co-ordinator 

The Hauturu Supporters Trust welcomes Ngaire Wallen onboard as a part-time co-ordinator working to support the Trust in delivering its objectives. Ngaire writes:  “I am looking forward to contributing to…

How islands can be a catalyst for conservation efforts

Our new co-ordinator, Ngaire Wallen has returned from a visit to the Chatham Islands. In this piece, she draws parallels with some of the South Pacific’s most notable island sanctuaries….

Kākāpo moved to Fiordland following habitat trial on Hauturu

Ten years after Kākāpō were reintroduced to Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, they are being relocated back to the Southern islands. This update from Kākāpō Recovery explains the challenges and learnings of…

Hihi: remarkable survivors 

Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island has a unique ability to support vulnerable species in a way that almost no other location can. Is it because of its predator and…

Take ocean protection further, says Hauturu Supporters Trust in submissions to government

The Hauraki Gulf needs even more protection, says The Hauturu Supporters Trust, a charitable trust established to help support Aotearoa’s oldest nature reserve, Hauturu-o-Toi Little Barrier Island, and implores the…

From track clearing to magical experiences: all in a weekend’s work for Hauturu volunteers

A sore knee meant that while others ventured into the native bush for track clearing duties, first-time volunteer Colin Binsted opted to stay close to the hut and help with…

How a noisy seabird (and its poop) could boost coastline resilience

Warming seas. Invasive seaweed. Overfishing. The threats facing our coastlines seem insurmountable. But thriving populations of seabirds reappearing on Hauturu may provide reason to hope, says Hauturu Supporters Trust Trustee…

Mighty Gabrielle – Hauturu in the heart of the cyclone

The eye of Cyclone Gabrielle tracked very close to Te Hauturu-o-Toi LIttle Barrier Island in February 2023. Department of Conservation Ranger Richard Walles recounts the remarkable experience. “We always watch the…

Trustee reflects on ‘miraculous’ rodent-free milestone

Richard Griffiths led the eradication project on Hauturu-o-toi to remove kiore nearly twenty years ago in 2004. Now he has joined the Hauturu Supporters Trust as a Trustee. He recollects…