TiriTiri Matangi Island 

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wonderful bird sanctuary, only 30km north of Auckland. Since farming on the island ceased in the 1970's, the government and conservationists have been working tirelessly to restore this wildlife haven.

Tiritiri Matangi Island was originally inhabited by Kawerau Maori, and later, by the Ngati Paoa. Both groups are now recognised as traditional owners of the island. European's arrived in the mid 19th century, bringing sheep and cattle to graze. Luckily, no introduced animal species took a hold on the island, and all have since been removed by conservation groups.

When local farmers realised that grazing was unsustainable, reforestation of the island began. 250,000 saplings and seedlings were sourced from around the island, planted, and nurtured. They now provide shelter and a basic habitat for the recovering bird population. Due to the lack of mature trees with hollows, nesting boxes have been placed around the island as alternative nesting places.