About Ecology Vision

Empowering our community to protect, enrich, and restore the natural taonga of Aotea

The Aotea Ecology Vision project, was initiated by Aotea Great Barrier Local Board, with the aim of establishing a community vision for the enhancement and management of the island’s natural environment. Funded by Aotea Great Barrier Local Board and Auckland Council, and managed by Envirokiwi - a local environmental contractor, this initiative supports the Aotea community to protect, enrich and restore our island’s ecosystems.

Working alongside the Aotea community — mana whenua, conservation groups, sanctuaries, trusts, and agencies — the Aotea Ecology Vision reflects a shared commitment to Te Taiao o Aotea.

The project aims to inspire and enable community-led ecological restoration across the island, strengthening both people and nature.

It focuses on supporting projects with practical project advice, community outreach and events to further connect the stakeholders, community and visitors to conservation on Aotea.

Find key outcomes below or access the Ecology Vision Strategy here:

Our Ecology Vision Strategic Objectives

Ecological Objective

To enhance our ecological diversity and abundance by enriching our island's ecosystems.

Social Objective

To support creativity, innovation and partnerships by sharing knowledge and developing projects that enhance our island's ecological significance.

Economic Objective

To enhance our island's economy by fostering connections and leveraging local and off-island expertise and resources to support sustainable enterprise and create extraordinary experiences for visitors to our remote island.

A group of people attending a presentation in a room with a wooden ceiling, some sitting and some standing, with windows in the background.

Ecology Vision facilitated wānanga at Kawa marae April 2026.

© Tū Mai Taonga

Ecology Vision Strategy

Phase 1
Phase 2

Key outcomes

  • By providing resources, tools, and connections for community conservation workers, we achieve:

    • Restored and enriched ecosystems

    • Suppression of predators, weeds, and other pest species

    • Improved ecosystem connections and ecological function

    • Increased abundance and diversity of native plants and wildlife

    • Increased community capability and capacity

    • Community-owned and driven conservation outcomes

    • Enhanced community connectivity and collaboration

    • Shared environmental tools, technology, and innovation

    • Greater understanding, pride, and care for what makes Aotea special

    • Local economic growth

    • Improved visitor experience

    • Local jobs for local people

Ecology Vision is funded and supported by:

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