Photos by Wendy Bown. Written by Jonny Beech.
It was a moment worth celebrating for Matakohe Limestone Island, with 450 wētāpunga released onto the island in May 2026. Their arrival marked a momentous milestone for this predator-free reserve in Whangārei Harbour and reflects years of dedication, partnership and belief in what restoration can achieve. Welcoming back such a remarkable species is a powerful reminder that with care and persistence, Aotearoa New Zealand’s taonga can flourish again.
Known as the world’s heaviest insect, wētāpunga are one of Aotearoa’s most extraordinary native taonga and are a truly iconic part of our natural heritage. Once found in forests from the Bay of Islands to Auckland, they survived only on Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island after habitat loss and introduced predators took their toll. Seeing them re-established in protected places like Matakohe Island is both inspiring and deeply significant for the future of wētāpunga.
For Matakohe Limestone Island, this release is a proud and inspiring milestone. It celebrates more than 35 years of restoration, hard work and shared vision. What was once a degraded landscape has been transformed through planting, pest control, monitoring and the unwavering commitment of volunteers, mana whenua, rangers, donors and community supporters. The return of wētāpunga is a success story and an example of the extraordinary results that come from long-term restoration and predator control.
This special achievement has only been possible through the strength of partnerships and the generosity of many supporters. Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island, Te Parawhau, Ngāti Manuhiri, Butterfly Creek, and funders, including Foundation North, Golden Bay, and Whangārei District Council, have all helped make this moment possible. Their support, alongside the wider effort to breed and re-establish wētāpunga in safe habitats, is helping to secure a brighter future for one of Aotearoa’s most ancient and remarkable species.
As these incredible insects begin life in their new home, there is every reason to celebrate. Their presence on Matakohe Limestone Island is a triumph for restoration, for community effort and for the resilience of nature itself. Every tree planted, every pest trapped, and every volunteer hour has helped create the conditions for this moment. We look forward to sharing the next chapter of the island’s story as Matakohe Island continues to thrive as a haven for biodiversity and a source of inspiration for all who care about the natural heritage of Te Tai Tokerau.
