Chatham Island, New Zealand
A community-driven rewilding project to help restore the islands’ natural gifts.
THE PROJECT: Predator Free Chathams
LOCATION: Chatham Islands, New Zealand
THE WORK: The project focuses on removing three key predators introduced to the main island: possums, rats, and feral cats. This will be carried out in phases across the island with strict biosecurity regimes developed to prevent predators from reinvading. At the same time, the team will plant native trees and build protective measures like fences. This process will help create new, safe habitats so native birds can be reintroduced to areas where they once thrived.
MORE INFORMATION: The Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust is leading the project in collaboration with Moriori, Māori, the Chatham Island Council, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, and Predator Free 2050 Ltd. The project has produced a 5-year Strategic Plan, Research Strategy, Communications Plan, and an operational and biosecurity study to lay out a pathway for removing predators and rewilding the island.
About The Catham Islands
The far-flung Chatham Islands lie 500 miles (800km) east of Aotearoa, New Zealand. They are a critical hub for migrating albatross and a stronghold for 25% of Aotearoa’s endangered species. Indigenous Moriori, Māori people, and 660 residents also call these islands home.
The island is rich with unique wildlife. Around three million years ago, the Chatham archipelago lifted from the ocean floor, leading to the evolution of unique wildlife. Some of these precious species — like the Chatham Island albatross, magenta petrel, and black robin — are found nowhere else in the world. Productive oceans support thick kelp forests, colonies of sea lions and seals, and a spectrum of fish and shellfish that, in turn, provide food for albatrosses and other seabirds.
The islands’ forests and shores have suffered from the introduction of predators like possums, feral cats, and rats. The island’s natural gifts have been dwindling, impacting all species that live here - including humans.
The Chathams community, including Moriori and Māori, are working with scientists to rewild these islands for people, plants, and birds.
Donate today and support the local community and scientists in creating a safe, secure habitat for this haven for seabirds and threatened species found nowhere else.
Voices from the community
“Some of our birds, for instance, are found nowhere else in the world. You can only see them here, so tourism will be another spin-off from our efforts.”
— TOM LANAUZE, Moriori elder, Trustee of Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Trustee of Moriori Imi Settlement Trust
Project Partners & Funders
• Chatham Island Landscape Restoration Trust
• Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi Trust
• Hokotehi Moriori Trust
• Department of Conservation
• Chatham Island Council
• Predator Free 2050 Ltd.
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