KEY POINTS:
The unique Far North kiwi sanctuary Aroha Island, near Kerikeri, is to open this month under management by a new community-based leaseholder.
The arrangement between the Aroha Island Charitable Trust and the island's owner, the QEII National Trust, means the 12ha sanctuary in the Kerikeri Inlet will not be run by any private operator under a commercial lease.
The Aroha Island trust was formed two months ago from a community committee set up early this year in response to concerns throughout the Far North and New Zealand when the QEII trust said it intended to sell loss making properties.
It indicated Aroha Island could be managed under a commercial lease.
At issue for the community was how kiwi and the island's unique features were going to be preserved under a commercial lease, and whether public road access would continue.
An ecological centre was set up on the island in 1995 after it was sold to QEII by Dr Colin Little, who intended that the national trust would preserve the island and maintain it as an important open space for public use.
The centre focused on public education about natural areas with emphasis on protecting habitat for rare and endangered native wildlife.
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island is home to a small but stable number of North Island brown kiwi, which roam on 5ha of land and 7ha of mangrove area.
They include at least two breeding pairs
Rare banded rail are also present on the island which has a historic burial ground, middens and botanical terraces as part of its cultural history.
After months of negotiations this year, the QEII trust offered the committee a five-year lease on the island with a five-year right of renewal.
The charitable trust was formed and incorporated, and started work on deferred maintenance projects and preparations for opening the island.
The trust aims to preserve and enhance the island's open space covenant values and retain public access.
It wants to provide a "centre of excellence" for North Island brown kiwi, preserve fauna, flora, habitats and the island's natural vista, protect wahi tapu and significant archaeological sites and establish a visitor centre.
Aroha Island trust spokeswoman Jill Smith said thousands of volunteer hours had gone into establishing the trust, maintenance and resurrecting the information centre.
Far North District Council funding through the local Eastern Community Board brought in $15,000. Another $5000 came from the council's Significant Natural Area, fund and $3000 from a community grant fund.
"That allowed us to get going," Mrs Smith said.
A building supply firm has donated equipment and other businesses have supported the project with generous discounts.
Community donations of household items and appliances will be used in setting up a lodge in what was the island manager's residence.
"We wouldn't be where we are now without community volunteers giving their time and effort," Mrs Smith says.
Although an on-site manager will be engaged to run the island, other activities including governance and grounds maintenance are to be undertaken by volunteers.
Aroha Island opens to the public on Sunday week, December 16, at 11am with its former owner, 94-year-old Dr Little, officiating.
