Our Purpose
Our mission is to protect native species through the eradication of rats and feral cats, to re-introduce species lost to the island, and to work towards building an ecology-based economy for Aotea Great Barrier. Our vision is to bring kōkako back to Aotea.
Since its establishment in 2002 the aim of Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust (formerly GBI Charitable Trust) has been to build awareness in the local community of the potential environmental, social, and economic benefits of eradicating rats and feral cats from the island.
Important steps towards restoration will be the return of species already lost to the island and the protection of those species we treasure (such as pāteke, black petrel, chevron skink, dotterel, kākā, kererū, kākāriki and others). Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai ki Aotea are committed to bringing back kōkako to Te Paparahi but rat numbers need to reduce dramatically for this to happen - either through ground based control in Te Paparahi, or via whole of island measures.
It is possible for Aotea Great Barrier Island to become the largest inhabited, predator-free island sanctuary in the world, but such a future can only be possible with community support and using methods acceptable to the community. The Department of Conservation and Auckland Council have indicated it would be technically feasible and some funding could be available, but only if the community affirms its support.
Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust and others are working to foster constructive discussion amongst the island's many communities to progress a vision all can support, and to demonstrate the potential long term social, economic and infrastructure benefits of such a future for Aotea.
Aims and Objectives
The principle activities of the Trust are in protecting, enhancing, developing and maintaining habitats for New Zealand native and endemic species on Aotea Great Barrier Island, with a particular focus on pest management through:
Research into and development of methods and systems which advance animal and plant pest management theory and practice.
Promotion of education and employment related to sustaining and enhancing the biological diversity of Aotea Great Barrier Island.
Promotion of and support for conservation practices and the establishment of habitat sanctuaries on private land on Aotea Great Barrier Island.
Research into and promotion of the reintroduction of appropriate native and endemic species to Aotea Great Barrier Island.
Promotion and support for integrated planning and management of the marine environment around all the coastal areas of Aotea Great Barrier Island, which may include marine reserve areas, Mātaiatai, partial take areas and Taiapure.
Profile and activities
The Trust was formed in October 2002 following a series of meetings of local people involved in conservation initiatives on the island. It was decided that a formal umbrella group was needed to to support initiatives and advocate for conservation and to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to the greater goal to restore the island's ecology.
We are a community-initiated Trust with more than 200 members and we have successfully applied for funding from a range of agencies and foundations to continue our work. Read more about our history and achievements in the first 10 years of the trust here.
We offer an annual scholarship for on-island research projects and publish research relevant to Aotea Great Barrier in our biannual publication ‘Environmental News’. We facilitate Open Days at restoration sites, initiate meetings with key stakeholders and represent the community and our members in the future planning for conservation on Great Barrier.
Our annual reports can be found here.
Projects and Research
The Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust leads and takes part in a range of activities to improve understanding, disseminate information and support positive action for improved environmental outcomes.
Visit Our Strategic Plan to learn more about our strategic plan and our activities.