Whats happening
The Islands (Moutere Rāhui)
For centuries, isolation gave New Zealand's incredible plant and animal species protection from progress and the threat of extinction. That changed very quickly when humans began their migration to these shores as habitats were decimated and populations dwindled or disappeared.
Tiny, rugged islands, scattered off New Zealand's coastline, would provide some hope. Too harsh for humans, too far away for pests, these islands became accidental sanctuaries for many species that had vanished from the mainland. In recent years, they have provided inspiration for conservationists who continue to eradicate pests from more and more islands to create safe havens for our animals.
In Te Wao Nui, The Islands (Moutere Rāhui) represents these accidental sanctuaries and highlights the active efforts to create new ones. Antipodes Island parakeets and Campbell Island teal exemplify the adaptive qualities of the animals who called these islands home. The tuatara resides here too, an iconic New Zealander who still needs our help to survive.
Some species in The Islands: Tuatara, Antipodes Island parakeet, Campbell Island teal, Northland green gecko, forest gecko, jewelled gecko, Falla's skink, Chevron skink