With Matariki approaching, it is an opportunity to look back and look forward, celebrating the past year and thinking of what can be achieved over the next year.

It has been a year of change for volunteers and staff on and off the Island. Having farewelled two of our beloved members late last year, we remember them – Ray Walter and Mel Galbraith, two men who contributed a life of service in many different ways to the development of our island conservation project. And there are others who have passed away during the year who in their own way have also contributed to the work of the Island.

Guiding both public and schools has continued to be a major part of the operations of Tiritiri Matangi as have efforts made by all our sub-committees and task groups across biodiversity, infrastructure, advocacy, education, fundraising, membership, retail and IT.

Climate has and will continue to dominate the Island ngahere and tracks requiring constant attention by our regular working parties and individuals.

Looking forward there remains much to do to ensure the proper care and attention to the Island’s flora and fauna and to continue to provide opportunities to everyday New Zealanders in citizen science.

Tiritiri Matangi island holds an appeal as a haven for New Zealand wildlife and humans to enjoy and our future role includes protection of this incredible taonga.

Left: Ray Walter, photo credit Martin Sanders
Middle: Ray Walter and Mel Galbraith at the opening of the Kawerau Track, photo credit from Tiritiri Matangi archives
Right: Mel Galbraith.

He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people
Māori proverb