One of New Zealand’s greatest conservation successes will be celebrated during Matariki (28-29 Jun) on Rakiura/Stewart Island when Whenua Hou Codfish Island marks its 25th year being predator free.

Located just 3 km from the coast of Rakiura/Stewart Island, Codfish Island is perhaps best known as the home of the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery programme.

Entry to the island is strictly controlled by permit and also includes firm quarantine rules.

Whenua Hou Komiti member Shona Sangster said the island’s role in biodiversity progress and saving our taonga species can’t be understated.

 “Whenua Hou’s status as a refuge for our taonga species has only been possible thanks to the vision and determination of many people who removed invaders from Whenua Hou in a series of eradications up to 1999.”

“The 25th anniversary is our chance to recognise Ngāi Tahu’s rangatiratanga of the motu, to celebrate the work of DOC and Aotearoa as a centre for excellence for island eradications and biosecurity, and to highlight the potential for what has been achieved on Whenua Hou being replicated here on Rakiura.”

“We know that we nearly lost the kākāpō once, and it was only by securing Whenua Hou that we were able to save the species."

"Now, it’s time to turn our attention to making their ancestral home on Rakiura safe for them to return - while saving other precious manu which are on the brink, like the Pukunui - Southern New Zealand Dotterel.”

While kākāpō certainly helped to put Whenua Hou ‘on the map’ (who could forget the BBC’s famous “shagged by a parrot” clip featuring Conservation Spokesbird Sirocco), it was the commitment and bravery of kiwi conservationists, volunteers, scientists and advocates which truly made it possible for the island to become the shining example of an island sanctuary it is today, Sangster said.

 “We want to make sure that we show our appreciation to the unsung heroes who have put the hard mahi into not only making Whenua Hou safe, but keeping it safe for the past 25 years.”

 The celebrations begin with a dinner on Friday 28 June, featuring guest speakers, while Saturday will see a series of free activities include culture and heritage talks, a biodiversity panel, a kākāpō technology demonstration, and pop-up exhibition.

 Anyone on Rakiura for the event will also have the chance to make banners with artist-in-residence Janet De Wagt all day on Saturday, visit a pop-up Whenua Hou exhibition at the Rakiura museum, meet Blake the taxidermied Kākāpō, and explore Whenua Hou through Google Earth Voyager mapping.

CLICK HERE for tickets to the dinner.

 CLICK HERE for information about Rakiura travel and accommodation options.