What we do
Island conservation in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland
The work of the Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island (FOMLI)
The restoration and ongoing maintenance of Matakohe Limestone Island is managed by the Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island Society (FOMLI), in collaboration with Te Parawhau, Ngātiwai, the Whangarei District Council and a diverse group of partners and sponsors.
More than 200,000 native trees and plants have been planted on the island by volunteers. Predators (other than mice) like rats and possums are no longer on the island.
The forest now provides a safe environment for a growing variety of threatened and at-risk native fauna that have made the island their home or been re-introduced, including kiwi, banded rail, New Zealand dotterel, moko skink and forest gecko.
Restoring the island’s biodiversity
The island’s resident rangers are responsible for predator control as stoats, weasels and rats occasionally swim across. With the help of dedicated volunteers and sponsors, the rangers protect and restore the island’s biodiversity and take care of the historical sites, which are all accessible to the community.
Current projects include:
- The construction of a bird hide for observing shore birds along the south-west sand banks of the island is due to be completed by late 2024
- Translocating wētāpunga/giant wētā is in the planning stage, awaiting approval from the Department of Conservation. Their introduction is likely to be in the winter of 2025 or 2026.
- Strategic planning in the winter of 2024 will help guide the island's future for the next twenty years. Three key focus areas will be the continued improvement of biodiversity, visitor experience, and educational opportunities.
Inspiring the next generation
FOMLI encourages educational opportunities on Matakohe Limestone Island, and the Rangers regularly host school groups from Northland and beyond. The island provides a unique and accessible experience where children can learn about local history and the island’s ecosystems. Tertiary and postgraduate students also come to Matakohe Limestone Island to conduct scientific research, focusing on plant and animal communities. Please contact us if you would like more information.
