The New Zealand Nature Fund, Ngāi Tahu, Department of Conservation and Heritage Expeditions launch a united campaign to restore Auckland Island/Maukahuka to pest-free status.
An ambitious campaign to eradicate all invasive predators from Maukahuka launched with a fundraising event aboard Heritage Expeditions’ vessel Heritage Adventurer, berthed at Auckland’s waterfront.
The event brought together iwi leaders, conservation specialists, government representatives, local dignitaries, and members of the public who share a commitment to protecting one of the world’s most significant wildlife sanctuaries. Maukahuka is the largest subantarctic island in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Maukahuka is a global biodiversity treasure,” said Sarah Cairns, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Nature Fund. “It is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, including Gibson’s albatross, Auckland Island teal, and Auckland Island rail. This island represents what we stand to lose if we don’t act now. Over the last 200 years, feral pigs, cats, and mice have devastated populations of 32 native bird species that no longer breed on Maukahuka.”
The island, located 465km south of New Zealand’s South Island, supports over 500 native plants and animals, with more than 100 species endemic to the location. As a Nature Reserve and World Heritage site, Maukahuka holds enormous cultural and spiritual significance for Ngāi Tahu, whose people have maintained connections to the subantarctic islands through generations of voyaging and resource gathering.
Murihiku Regeneration, a southern Ngāi Tahu regional development entity, is involved in the Maukahuka Predator Programme through Murihiku ki te Tonga, a mandated Southern Ocean research and innovation Kaupapa, in partnership with Heritage Expeditions. The partnership demonstrates government, iwi, and community interests working together to support this important conservation programme.
“Maukahuka is effectively the southern point of the so-called Polynesian Triangle,” says Murihiku ki te Tonga spokesperson, Michael Stevens.
“The discovery and occupation of this sub-Antarctic archipelago 600-700 years ago by some of our earliest ancestors was part of a remarkable moment and process by which tropical East Polynesians became sub-tropical Māori.”
In the nineteenth century several Ngāi Tahu whānau and communities established links with Maukahuka through the sealing and whaling trades, which have been sustained by successive generations through participation in other maritime activities down to the present day.
“Maukahuka is therefore rich with nature and culture,” says Stevens, “and we are keen to muck in and help protect that entangled heritage.”
Heritage Expeditions’ Aaron and Nathan Russ said the family-owned and operated company was proud to partner with New Zealand Nature Fund and Murihiku Regeneration and continue its, and the Russ family’s, legacy of conservation in New Zealand.
“The Maukahuka Auckland Island Restoration Project is the largest island pest eradication project in New Zealand conservation history, and a united front is our best chance of success,” said Aaron Russ.
“The devastation caused by feral cats, pigs and mice on both the wildlife and flora on Auckland Island cannot continue unchecked and, once pest free, is an achievement every New Zealander can be proud of.”
Nathan Russ agreed, adding the Russ family had a personal connection with the Subantarctic Islands and that the project was the natural progression of their conservation work in the Southern Ocean.
“We grew up exploring, advocating for and taking an active role in the conservation of New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands,” he said.
“Heritage Expeditions has been committed to supporting their conservation. For the more than 35 years we have been educating our guests on their importance, while the Russ family has been involved in their conservation for more than 50 years. We are incredibly proud and honoured to stand with New Zealand Nature Fund and Murihiku Regeneration on this crucial project to restore the natural balance to Maukahuka Auckland Island.”
The Maukahuka Auckland Island Restoration Project aims to remove invasive mammals from the island, allowing native flora and fauna to recover. Success would create the world’s largest pest-free subantarctic island, securing the future of species teetering on the edge of extinction.
“This is conservation at scale,” said Cairns. “The technical challenges are significant, but the partnerships we’re building give us confidence. When iwi, government, conservation organisations, and business work together with a shared vision, we can achieve what seems impossible.”
The event included presentations from key partners and a video message from Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka, who acknowledges the collaborative approach required for projects of this magnitude. The Minister was represented at the event by Stephanie Rowe from the Department of Conservation, working closely with Murihiku Regeneration’s senior governing team.
The campaign will seek funding for research, operational planning, and the eradication programme. Supporters can follow progress and contribute at nznaturefund.org.
About the New Zealand Nature Fund
The New Zealand Nature Fund is an independent charitable trust raising funds for large-scale conservation projects that protect and restore Aotearoa’s biodiversity. Working alongside the Department of Conservation and community groups, NZNF directs donor investment to critical species recovery programmes and habitat restoration initiatives across New Zealand.
About Murihiku Regeneration
Murihiku Regeneration is a southern Ngāi Tahu regional development entity. Through Murihiku ki te Tonga, a mandated southern ocean research and innovation kaupapa, Murihiku Regeneration works alongside Heritage Expeditions and the New Zealand Nature Fund to support the Maukahuka Predator Programme.
About Heritage Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions is New Zealand’s pioneering expedition cruise company and the world’s most experience Subantarctic and Ross Sea Antarctica operator. The family-owned company has committed both financial and logistical support and expertise to the Maukahuka Predator Programme, including hosting today’s fundraising launch aboard its flagship vessel Heritage Adventurer.