Community conservation
We’re lucky to have a conservation-minded community. Locals have already been leading restoration and predator control work over an extended time on our islands. Here are a few examples of projects and work the Chatham Islands community is currently involved in.
Conservation projects on the island
Here are some of the bigger Chatham Islands community restoration and conservation projects:
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The Chatham Islands have the largest number of covenants and kawenata per capita of anywhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand. These agreements between land owners and the government help to provide protection for indigenous ecosystems and natural areas.
- There are several locals running plant nurseries for native plants. Many of these nurseries supply plants that are used for restoration plantings around the island, as well as in people's gardens and farmlands. Some of these nurseries are part of a collective.
- A community trapping programme is underway, focussing on the townships but open to anyone in the community. This is being supported by Predator Free Chathams.
- Extensive conservation work has been carried out at Pana/Blind Jim's with funding provided by the Chatham Islands Heritage and Restoration Trust (CHART). This area is by the Te Whanga lagoon and is open to the public.
- A number of Jobs for Nature projects on the island allow members of our community to lead and run conservation work as their jobs. The project on Pitt Island involves trapping feral cats and establishing a plant nursery at the local school. Work at Miriam's Reserve, not very far from Waitangi, is improving a small area of habitat for native species and will help establish a nature corridor to support birds moving from the south of the main island to the north. Finally, a project on main Chatham is carrying out restoration and predator control in some forested areas, on beaches, and around the Waitangi township
Watch a short Newshub article about one project
Want to get involved in a conservation initiative?
If you’re an islander looking for opportunities to get involved in restoration, we have resources that can help you get started. Our Trust is also always interested in hearing about your conservation ideas and finding ways to support and work with you. Get in touch with us on Facebook or by emailing Hamish Chisholm.
