New Zealand is embarking on its most ambitious rewilding effort yet, joining the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) to remove invasive species from Maukahuka (Auckland) Island, Rakiura (Stewart) Island, and Chatham Island. This initiative, part of a global effort to restore 40 island-ocean ecosystems by 2030, presents unique challenges due to the islands‘ size, remote locations, harsh conditions, and human settlements.
Maukahuka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbours over 500 native species, including the endangered Gibson’s albatross, New Zealand sea lion, and hoiho penguin, but has lost 32 native bird species due to invasive mice, cats, and pigs. Rakiura, home to the brown kiwi, will serve as a future site for reintroducing the critically endangered kākāpō once invasive predators are eradicated. Chatham Island, with over 300 threatened species, also faces severe impacts from possums, rats, and feral cats.
The project will employ innovative tools such as AI-assisted monitoring and conservation dogs to detect and remove pests. Led by Island Conservation, Rewild, and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the initiative collaborates with the New Zealand government, Māori and Moriori communities, and conservation groups. Studies show island restoration enhances biodiversity, supports seabird populations, and strengthens climate resilience.
The New Zealand government has committed $54 million of the $202 million required, with additional fundraising led by the New Zealand Nature Fund.
