In the heart of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, a beacon of ecological recovery shines on the island of Motutapu. Once ravaged by pests, this island is now a thriving sanctuary of native flora and fauna, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Motutapu Restoration Trust, the Department of Conservation and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. A key component of this transformation has been the collaboration with Living Earth, whose Organic Potting Mix has played a crucial role in cultivating the native plants that now flourish across the island.

Bridget Winstone, Deputy Chair and Volunteer Coordinator of the Motutapu Restoration Trust, has witnessed this transformation firsthand over her 21 years of volunteering. Reflecting on the island's journey, she shares, "I’ve seen enormous and beautiful changes in that time. I’ve seen empty paddocks totally converted into forests."

The Early Days: Battling the Pest Problem

Motutapu’s story of ecological restoration began with a serious challenge. During the 1980s, neighbouring Rangitoto Island was plagued by possums and wallabies, invasive species that were devastating the unique pohutukawa forest   These pests munched their way through the island's vegetation, threatening to turn this beautiful landscape into a barren wasteland. "There was a dreadful pest problem on the island," Bridget recalls, "but fortunately, somebody noticed and said this place is a gem, and we can’t let this happen."

A group of passionate individuals, including members of the local Rotary District and the Department of Conservation (DOC), united with a shared vision: to restore Rangitoto’s' natural beauty. Through their efforts and early pest control techniques, both Rangitoto and Motutapu were rid of possums and wallabies. This victory marked the beginning of a long-term restoration project that would eventually see parts of Motutapu transformed into a thriving ecological sanctuary.

A Vision for Restoration

The success of pest control efforts on Tiritiri Matangi Island, a nearby island that had undergone a similar transformation, provided inspiration for the Motutapu project. Tiritiri Matangi's restoration had been achieved through the dedication of volunteers, who worked to replant native forests, remove mammalian pests, and reintroduce endangered species. What was once considered a "dumb idea" by sceptics has become an international model for conservation.

This success encouraged a few visionary individuals to begin a similar project on Motutapu, which is seven times the size of Tiritiri Matangi. The Motutapu Restoration Trust was formed, and from its inception, the Trust recognised the need for quality materials to support their work. The late Sir Rob Fenwick, co-founder of Living Earth and a key player in the formation of the Trust, ensured that Living Earth Organic Potting Mix would be part of the project from the start.

The Role of Living Earth

Since the very beginning, Living Earth has been integral to the success of the Motutapu Restoration Trust’s mission. Living Earth Organic Potting Mix has been used to propagate the native plants that are central to the island's restoration. The Trust eco-sources seeds from some of the oldest and most pristine native forests in the Auckland ecological region, including the Waitakere Ranges, Waiheke Island, and the Hunua Ranges. These seeds are then nurtured in the nursery on Motutapu, using Living Earth Potting Mix as the foundation for their growth.

Bridget explains the importance of a high-quality potting mix in their work: "We needed a decent potting mix in order to propagate and grow our new native trees. People often come into our nursery and say, ‘Wow, what fabulous plants,’ and we tell them that Living Earth is responsible for that."

Living Earth Organic Potting Mix is crafted from organic waste, transformed into nutrient-rich compost. The mix includes organic fertilisers, bark fines for structure, and pumice for drainage, creating the perfect environment for seed germination and plant growth. Certified 100% organic by BioGro New Zealand, it is a product that aligns with the Trust’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

A Decade of Growth: Half a Million Trees and Counting

Over the past three decades, the Motutapu Restoration Trust has planted about half a million native trees across the island using Living Earth Organic Potting Mix. The mix is a great foundation for the plants which are then grounded in the rich, friable Motutapu volcanic soils. While this is a remarkable achievement, the project is far from complete. "We have only planted across 100 hectares so far, but we have a lot more land that can be planted with native trees,” says Bridget. The Trust remains committed to restoring more habitat and continuing its mission of ecological restoration.

As the trees have grown, so too has the wildlife on the island. After two years of detecting no pests on Motutapu, the Trust, the Department of Conservation, and Ngāi Tai celebrated by releasing four takahē, an endemic bird once thought to be extinct. Today, 28 takahē thrive on the island, and the population continues to grow. Other reintroduced species include the tīeke (North Island saddleback), pōpokotea (whitehead), pāteke (brown teal duck), and even kiwi. The island is now alive with the calls of native birds, creating an atmosphere that Bridget describes as "almost deafening."

A Partnership Rooted in Sustainability

The partnership between Living Earth and the Motutapu Restoration Trust is built on a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Living Earth’s products are made from organic waste collected from around New Zealand, supporting the country’s circular economy by giving this waste another life by turning it into nutrient-rich compost.

For 30 years, Living Earth has crafted its compost products with care, helping to grow gardens, crops, and green spaces across New Zealand. Through its partnership with the Motutapu Restoration Trust, Living Earth has contributed to one of the larger ecological restoration projects in the country.

The Motutapu Restoration Trust’s work is not only about planting trees but also about fostering a connection between people and nature. Volunteers of all ages come to the island to participate in planting days, learn about conservation, and contribute to the restoration of New Zealand’s natural heritage. Bridget, who coordinates these volunteers, sees the impact that this work has on both the island and the people involved. "One of the most gorgeous things about this project is how a group of volunteers from the community can come together and make such a huge difference."

Looking Ahead: A Future of Flourishing Ecosystems

With 31 years of restoration work behind them, the Motutapu Restoration Trust is looking to the future. There is still much to be done, with hundreds of hectares yet to be planted, but the progress so far has been extraordinary. Thanks to the partnership with Living Earth, the Trust has one of the tools and resources to continue its vital work.

As the forests of Motutapu continue to grow, so too does the island's wildlife. The restoration of this island has created a thriving ecosystem that supports native species, many of which are endangered or vulnerable. The success of this project serves as a model for ecological restoration around the world, demonstrating what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision.

For Bridget Winstone and the countless volunteers who have been part of this journey, the transformation of Motutapu Island is a testament to the power of determination, collaboration, and sustainable practices. "It’s been an incredible journey," Bridget says. "And we’re not finished yet."

If you've been inspired by the Motutapu Restoration Trust and the work they do, there are many ways to support their mahi. Head to motutapu.org.nz to learn more.