Hokotehi Moriori Trust joins New Zealand’s pledge to the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
We are pleased to announce that Rēkohu has been included in the prestigious Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), joining Rakiura and Maukahuka as part of a global network of islands dedicated to ecological restoration by 2030. This inclusion provides us with the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with international experts and donors, enabling us to advance our long-term vision for restoring our islands. We are working towards a sustainable future for Rēkohu and the broader global community by participating in this challenge.
Rēkohu is a haven for native birds and plants found nowhere else, including the karure/Chatham Island black robin, Chatham Island tāiko/magenta petrel, and Chatham Island albatross/hopo. We have the opportunity to make a real impact on biodiversity and ocean health. By investing in these projects, we are contributing to our planet’s well-being and future and helping restore ecosystems, support the Predator Free 2050 initiative, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come, fostering a healthier environment for all.
The IOCC pledge is to continue removing feral cats from Rangihaute and complete the first phase of the Predator Free project on Rēkohu by removing possums and feral cats. The long-term goal is to remove possums, feral cats, and rats from the archipelago and see the seabird-driven ecosystem thriving. This community-driven project is led by the Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust, with the Hokotehi Moriori Trust and Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri. It is supported by the Department of Conservation, Chatham Islands Council, and Predator Free 2050 Ltd.
Recently, representatives from the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust, and the Chatham Island Landscape Restoration Trust travelled to Bluff to launch and sign the pledge with our IOCC partners. During our visit, we also had the opportunity to meet with organisations such as Re:wild and Island Conservation, where we discussed our shared goals for restoring Rēkohu and Rangihaute. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the whānau at Te Runaka o Awarua for their manawareka/warm hospitality during our visit.