Who are the Supporters

The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. is a non-profit conservation volunteer group founded in 1988 to further the aims of the Tiritiri Matangi habitat restoration and species translocation project. Since then we have grown into a major conservation group with over 1600 members and work in partnership with the Department of Conservation to co-manage the project.

Our Mission

Our current vision is to “help create the ultimate wildlife sanctuary and healthy ecosystem, a magical place that engages and inspires volunteers, visitors and other New Zealanders to understand our unique heritage and make a difference in their own environment.”

We have four key objectives:

Conservation: Tiritiri Matangi has a healthy functioning ecosystem that is representative of the pre-human Hauraki Gulf area in which the island is located
Insight: Tiritiri Matangi is a key centre for biodiversity research and management
Inspiration: Every visitor is inspired to become an advocate for New Zealand’s unique biodiversity by making a difference in their own community
Participation: We provide a range of opportunities for people to participate in the Tiritiri Matangi story, as volunteers or as visitors

Our Achievements

In the past 22 years we have:

• Funded a number of translocations (transfers) and top-ups of rare species, including kokako, rifleman and Duvaucel’s geckos.
• Funded a range of interpretative signs
• Built a new visitors’ centre, with state-of-the-art interpretation
• Built an extensive vehicle and equipment storage facility
• Purchased various vehicles including the island’s tractor, ute and trailer.
• Funded annual weed management programmes
• Funded ongoing scientific research
• Developed an extensive guided walk programme, with over 200 guides
• Built and run a shop on the island, entirely manned by our volunteers, with all proceeds invested in the project.

The Supporters has a constitution and an active committee.