Rakiura Titi Islands Administering Body | Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Rakiura Māori have a fundamental connection to the Tītī/ Muttonbird Islands. Their mahi is about upholding the mana of the islands and tītī culture, and about retaining things that are uniquely them.
The Tītī/Muttonbird Islands are groups of islands north- east, east and south-west of Stewart Island/Rakiura which are home to tītī. Rakiura Māori have the rights to gather tītī chicks on the 36 islands each year. The administering body controls and manages the islands, and a strong emphasis on biosecurity has bred significant success.
For many years the islands have been a sanctuary for taonga species, thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated Ngāi Tahu whānau, who have been working to safeguard the islands from the predators that threaten the rarest and most endangered wildlife. Protecting existing species and reintroducing taonga species, such as tīeke (saddleback) and toutouwai (Stewart Island robin) have been priorities. They are leading the way with several more species translocations on the horizon too.
For the administrating body, it’s about whanaungatanga, building relationships, bringing the tītī community together to work towards common goals, capacity building, and education, all woven together. Above all, it’s about the islands. “Ko mātou kā motu, ko kā motu ko mātou. We are the islands, and the islands are us.” Their work is inspirational and an example to others of what is possible.