Our Mission

SoTM's mission is to develop Tiritiri Matangi, in conjunction with DOC, iwi and other stakeholders, as a model of sustainability and management through five main areas of activity:

Conservation: Protecting and conserving New Zealand's wildlife,
Insight: Supporting research on biodiversity and ecosystems,

Cultural and historic conservation: protecting and conserving New Zealand's cultural and historic heritage,
Inspiration: Educating and inspiring visitors and other interested parties, and
Participation: Providing opportunities for volunteers and visitors to be involved in the project.

SoTM has a Strategic Plan which provides a framework within which management decisions are taken. You can view a copy of the plan here.

Our achievements

Since SoTM was founded in 1988 we have:

• Completed, with DOC and many volunteers, the revegetation of about two-thirds of the Island
• Funded and carried out the introduction of rare species, including kokako, rifleman, Duvaucel’s geckos and wetapunga
• Funded, erected and maintained a range of interpretative signs to inform visitors about the Island's fauna, flora and history
• Built a visitor centre, with informative displays about the Island
• Built an extensive vehicle and equipment storage facility
• Purchased various vehicles including the Island’s tractor, ute and trailer
• Funded an annual weed management programme
• Contributed to the funding of many scientific research projects
• Developed and maintained a programme of guided walks for visitors, with over 200 volunteer guides
• Built and run a shop on the Island, with all proceeds invested in the project.

Our organisation

SoTM has a governance structure consisting of a Main Committee and several sub-committees. The sub-committees, made up of volunteers with specialist interests and sets of skills, plan and drive the key projects in their respective areas. Our current sub-committees and their areas of responsibility are:

Biodiversity (fauna and flora, habitat management, species translocations, research)
Infrastructure (buildings, tracks, vehicles, equipment, historic precinct)
Visitor Experience (interpretation, events, guiding and shop)
Funding and Membership (financial management, membership recruitment and retention) 
Employment (oversees the work of SoTM staff members)

For information on the Main Committee and key contacts, click here.

Life Members

The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi have recognised the huge contribution made by some of our volunteers over long periods of time by awarding them Life Membership. Our current Life Members are:

Carl Hayson

Ray and Barbara Walter

Mel Galbraith

Nan Rothwell

Isabel Still

Sally Hally

Simon Fordham

Ian Higgins

Cathy Catto

Memorandum of Understanding

On 7 November 2004 at the head office of the Department of Conservation offices in Auckland, a significant event took place with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi and the Department of Conservation.

A Memorandum of Understanding is a legal document outlining an agreement between parties making clear the objectives and recognizing the different roles of each party. In the case of the Supporters, the document outlines our aims and responsibilities on Tiritiri Matangi and outlines a mutual cooperation and consultation with the Department on many aspects such as work programs, health and safety and concessions. The document protects the interests of both the Supporters and DOC and ensures the Island receives the benefit of this partnership in the future.

Click on the highlighted words to display the Memorandum of Understanding. This document is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.