The official opening of Tiritiri Matangi lsland’s new Visitor Centre was attended by more than 100 Supporters and friends in early November. As Ray and Barbara unveiled the plaque, they were surprised to discover that the centre was named in their honour – The Ray and Barbara Walter Visitor Centre. 

To the delight of everyone at the official opening of the new Visitor Centre on Tiritiri Matangi, Department of Conservation Rangers Ray and Barbara Walter, were unaware that the Visitor Centre was to be named after them. 

As they pulled the cords to reveal the overhead plaque, their surprise was met with warm applause from the crowd. 

Speakers and a dedication from Supporters’ founder Jim Battersby, preceded the unveiling and the cutting of a red ribbon by Ray and Barbara. First of the invited guides to speak was the Minister of Conservation Chris Carter, who retains the Conservation portfolio for a second term. He reflected on the Visitor Centre as part of the commitment to the importance of conservation education for present and future generations. “Tiritiri is an international icon for restoration conservation, and at international conservation events I often talk about what has been accomplished on Tiritiri. And about what can be achieved with a dedicated group of individuals working with the Department of Conservation to transform an island. 

The Visitor Centre was important for both education and conservation, showing how natural ecosystems can be restored to support our unique biodiversity, he said. 

The new Auckland Conservator for DoC, Sean Goddard, said he had visited Tiritiri 15 years ago and could not help but be inspired by what he saw on Tiritiri. “l’m astounded by the changes that have happened since then, in the canopy, and in the sights and sounds on the island. I hope that all of Auckland will become aware of the special places on their doorstep, such as the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. 

“Tiritiri is very special among those special places. It is a beacon, and a model and inspiration for our conservation work in the Auckland region. The Visitor Centre was an important milestone, and a premier site for the interpretation of the stories of our threatened species, he said. “Stories that are all the more meaningful when we can see and hear them. These include stories of both our natural heritage and our historical heritage, including all the people that lived and worked on Tiritiri, both Māori and European stories,” said Mr Goddard. “l would like to finish with a proverb: ‘He kura taiao e hokia’, which translates to “A treasured home will always be revisited”. “When I read this proverb in the new General Policy for Conservation, I thought of Tiritiri Matangi – a special place that has become a treasured home to many threatened species. “The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi have enriched the island through their repeated visits, and been enriched themselves through their involvement with such a special place”, he said.

Ray Walter paid tribute to the work of his wife Barbara on Tiritiri, and said that without the support of Barbara, he would not still be on the island. “l have said that as soon as we get a Visitor Centre, I will retire, but it won’t be quite like that. We will retire sometime next year now,” he said. ” lt’s great to see the Visitor Centre here at last as the culmination of our working together with the Supporters group. 

“We started out with a visitors centre in a shed, then a garage, and now we have this $400,000 facility on the same site. Well done to the Supporters for building this facility, which will be enjoyed by many generations and beyond,” said Ray.