Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Leads Massive Feral Cat Eradication to Restore Whenua

Aotea Great Barrier Island is the site of a significant iwi-led conservation effort as Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea works to restore the natural balance of their whenua. The project, known as Tū Mai Taonga, is currently undertaking one of the largest feral cat eradication operations globally, a mission described by project lead Makere Jenner as a holistic way to heal both the land and the whānau involved. Speaking to RNZ, Jenner explained that the kaupapa is grounded in te ao Māori, viewing people as an integral part of the environment. The initiative has provided vital employment opportunities, allowing whānau who had moved to the mainland for work to return home, reconnect with their marae, and participate in the manual restoration of their ancestral lands. For team lead Lyrik Murray, the mahi has offered a profound path to reconnecting with her Māori identity and culture. The operation is focused on protecting vulnerable taonga species such as the takoketai (black petrel), niho taniwha (chevron skink), and kākā. The first phase involved clearing 90 kilometres of tracks through Te Paparahi, a 3414-hectare forest block. While the island is estimated to have hosted 2500 feral cats, recent data from the northern zone suggests that fewer than 15 remain in that area as the trapping network moves southward. Trapper Phoebe Ngawaka noted that while the work of culling can be difficult, it is necessary to create a safe haven for the eventual return of species like kōkako and kiwi. The team is trained to handle all animals with respect, ensuring humane practices while addressing the damage caused by introduced predators. By taking responsibility for these environmental challenges, Tū Mai Taonga aims to ensure the island's unique ecosystems can once again sustain both nature and the people who call Aotea home.