Ingrid Jellick
Nestled in the Ohiwa harbour, west of Opotiki, tiny Uretara Island is now free of rats, thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers.
Environmentalists have been working on reducing the rat numbers on the island over the past five years, determined to see the environment thrive.
Nukuhou Salt Marsh Care Group Coordinator Stuart Slade said the island "was overrun with rats".
"There were very few birds actually breeding on the island at all," Mr Slade said.