Heritage Expeditions, the New Zealand Nature Fund, Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation have launched a united campaign to restore Auckland Island/Maukahuka to pest-free status.

The campaign aims to help eradicate all invasive predators from Maukahuka, and the launch took place aboard Heritage Expeditions’ Adventurer, berthed at Auckland’s waterfront.

The event brought together leaders, conservation specialists, government representatives, local dignitaries and members of the public.

“Maukahuka is a global biodiversity treasure,” said Sarah Cairns, chief executive of the New Zealand Nature Fund.

“It is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, including Gibson’s albatross, Auckland Island teal, and Auckland Island rail. This island represents what we stand to lose if we don’t act now. Over the last 200 years, feral pigs, cats and mice have devastated populations of 32 native bird species that no longer breed on Maukahuka,” added Cairns.

Heritage Expeditions said in a press release that the island, located 465 km south of New Zealand’s South Island, supports over 500 native plants and animals, with more than 100 species endemic to the location.

As a nature reserve and World Heritage site, Maukahuka holds enormous cultural and spiritual significance for Ngāi Tahu.

Heritage Expeditions’ Aaron and Nathan Russ said the family-owned and operated company was proud to partner with New Zealand Nature Fund and Murihiku Regeneration and continue its legacy of conservation in New Zealand.

“The Maukahuka Auckland Island Restoration Project is the largest island pest eradication project in New Zealand conservation history, and a united front is our best chance of success,” said Aaron.

“The devastation caused by feral cats, pigs and mice on both the wildlife and flora on Auckland Island cannot continue unchecked and, once pest-free, is an achievement every New Zealander can be proud of,” added Aaron.

“Heritage Expeditions has been committed to supporting their conservation. For more than 35 years, we have been educating our guests on their importance, while the Russ family has been involved in their conservation for more than 50 years,” Nathan said.

“We are incredibly proud and honored to stand with New Zealand Nature Fund and Murihiku Regeneration on this crucial project to restore the natural balance to Maukahuka, Auckland Island.”

The Maukahuka Auckland Island Restoration Project aims to remove invasive mammals from the island, allowing native flora and fauna to recover.