Our Mission and Our Vision
“Our Mission is to work with Aotea’s mana whenua and community to protect biodiversity, reintroduce lost species, eradicate rats and feral cats, and grow a sustainable, ecology-based economy.
Our Vision is to see the return of kōkako, tīeke and other species lost to Aotea.”
Learn more about our strategy here.
Aotea | Great Barrier Island
Aotea Great Barrier Island is situated approximately 100 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Auckland, New Zealand. It is the fourth largest island in New Zealand at 28,000 hectares and has a permanent population of approximately 1000 people. Te motu o Aotea is the ancestral home of Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea who are the mana whenua; tangata whenua and people of the land. Two thirds of the island is managed by the Department of Conservation, who ensure protection of the unique ecosystems and actively protect three rare and endangered species; the chevron skink (only found on Aotea), pāteke (brown teal) and the takoketai (black petrel). With large areas of regenerating forest, the island is considered a stronghold for the North Island kākā and kererū (wood pigeon). The island has remained free of many of the introduced predators that have plagued mainland NZ forests. There are no deer, ferrets, stoats, possums, hedgehogs, or feral goats, making the island unique ecologically and a strong contender for a pest free island sanctuary, should this be acceptable to the community.
Aotea Ecology
Our Purpose
Find out about our organisation, mission, our methods, and the results of our decades of advocacy. Learn More →
Take Action
Ready to take the next step? You can become a contributor to our cause, or participate yourself. Find Out How →
Inspirational locals from Aotea Great Barrier Island share their experiences of restoration projects and why they Love, Protect and Restore their environment.