The QEII National Trust (QEII) has agreed to lease Aroha Island in Kerikeri to Ngā Kaitiaki o Motu Aroha Charitable Trust (NKOMA).

QEII has been working to identify a local custodian for the well-known Bay of Islands landmark since the Aroha Island Charitable Trust elected to not renew its lease in 2023.

NKOMA has been established by descendants of Tango Te Hikuwai – the guardian and legal owner of the island in 1840.

A formal acknowledgment of the new lease arrangement took place on the island on the 24 April. Representatives from QEII and NKOMA gathered to recognise the milestone and strengthen the relationship between the two organisations as kaitiaki of Aroha Island.

QEII chair Alan Livingston said it was very important to QEII for Aroha Island to be under the guardianship of people who share QEII’s values and aspirations for the property and are connected to the island’s history and the local community.

“We’re pleased to be working with a group of very committed locals who obviously have a deep connection with this land. We know they will take great care of the place and we believe it’s in good hands,” said Alan.

NKOMA Trustee Hugh Rihari said that the trust members were looking forward to taking on formal responsibility of the island.

“I have had a close association with the island for a long time, including as a trustee of the Aroha Island Charitable Trust for many years. The establishment of NKOMA and the formalisation of our role as kaitiaki is a very positive and welcome step.

“We have plans to continue the excellent conservation work that has been done here over the years and to develop new opportunities for learning, hui, and community involvement.

“The island will not be re-opening as a camp ground, but we will be creating opportunities for the public to come and enjoy the island with us,” said Hugh.

The Chair of NKOMA Raewyn Tipene also reiterated support for the QEII covenant as a means to maintain the island’s natural environment.

“It fits well with our view of Aroha Island as a sanctuary, a reserve, given its early wāhi tapu history.”

Alan Livingston said that QEII would retain ownership of the island for the time being, and that the QEII covenant over the island would remain in effect in perpetuity.

“QEII is always going to have a close involvement with this special place, and whoever is overseeing the island will support the requirements of the covenant – which include care for the biodiversity and provision of access for the community.

“We’re excited to have the descendants of Tango Te Hikuwai taking on this lease and we’re looking forward to working with them,” said Alan.