Te Whatanui Winiata, Chair of the Kaitiaki Board that oversees the island’s stewardship, has expressed his satisfaction with the work, emphasizing the importance of the island’s accessibility for both mana whenua and the general public.
“The kaitiakitanga of the island is paramount,” Winiata said. “Mātiu is a haven in the heart of Te Whanganui a Tara. We’re looking forward to the future, with Mātiu remaining accessible for all uri, kaitiaki, and visitors to experience.”
Beyond the wharf rebuild, new biosecurity measures are in place to preserve Mātiu/Somes Island’s pest-free status and protect its unique wildlife. Angus Hulme-Moir, DOC’s Operations Manager for the Kapiti-Wellington area, highlighted the importance of these precautions: “Mātiu/Somes Island is home to nesting populations of kororā and kākāriki, as well as rare species like tuatara and wētā. DOC manages the island on behalf of the Kaitiaki Board, and we will work with visitors to ensure they understand the importance of keeping these species safe.”
Ferry services provided by East By West Ferries will resume promptly, bringing tourists and locals back to this significant ecological and cultural site. Mat Jonsson, General Manager at East By West, shared the excitement around reopening: “Mātiu/Somes is one of the most accessible of New Zealand’s island sanctuaries, and it is a significant part of our business each year – so we are excited to take visitors out again after a gap of several months.”
In collaboration with mana whenua and DOC, East By West has introduced an online booking system to manage visitor numbers, ensuring a sustainable approach to tourism. The reconstruction of the island’s wharf, undertaken by Brian Perry Civil, began in February 2024 and has been completed on time and within budget, marking a successful step forward in welcoming visitors back to Mātiu/Somes Island’s natural sanctuary.
