Guardians of the Bay of Islands
A unique combination of biological, cultural and historic features makes the Bay of Islands the special place that we all cherish. The spectacular and internationally-renowned scenery of the islands belies their depleted state. In the midst of this visual beauty was once the call of kiwi, kokako, kakariki, toutouwai (North Island robin), pateke (brown teal), tuturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) and thousands of seabirds. Other native animals such as tuatara, pekapeka (bats) and invertebrates formed part of this ecosystem. Many are now threatened. Most have simply gone.
For many years there has been growing concern about the decline of the biodiversity on the islands. Now, an incorporated society provides the opportunity for people to restore the islands by combining energies, talents and cultures.
The Guardians of the Bay of Islands support a shared strategy with local hapu, the Department of Conservation as managers of the public conservation estate and the many private landowners on the islands and the adjacent mainland who have, and are making, valuable contributions towards habitat restoration. The Guardians of the Bay of Islands invite you to become actively involved in conservation activities on the islands. We welcome you to join us.
