Winter Newsletter: Conservation, Adventure and Island Hospitality

As winter settles across Aotea, there’s an enormous sense of momentum and optimism around Glenfern Sanctuary. From welcoming new leadership, to growing our volunteer programme, to preparing for the return of one of Aotea’s rarest taonga species, there is excitement on every front.

Welcome Kate and Rory! Tēnā Kōrua!

We are delighted to officially welcome Kate as Glenfern Sanctuary’s new conservation manager, alongside her partner Rory.

 Kate brings deep conservation experience, enormous enthusiasm, and a genuine love for Aotea and its unique ecosystems.

“I’m incredibly excited to now be caring for Glenfern Sanctuary alongside Christine and Steve. Conservation and protecting the environment have always been a huge passion of mine, and it’s a privilege to be part of the important work happening here on Aotea.

"Rory and I have been living on the motu for nearly four years, working with a range of conservation groups and deepening our connection to the motu and its unique ecosystems. Before moving to Aotea, we were based in Te Anau, where we worked as biodiversity rangers in Fiordland. "I’m looking forward to continuing this journey at Glenfern Sanctuary, helping to support and restore this special place.” 

At the same time, we again acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of Christine and Steve Clemow, whose energy, care and commitment for more than four years have helped shape Glenfern into the thriving sanctuary it is today.

We also WELCOME our two new Trustees;  Aotea residents Morton Troope and Steve Wardle - next newsletter we will share their profiles, but right now to say fantastic to have you on board!

Niho Taniwha Return Home 

One of the most significant conservation milestones in Glenfern’s history is about to occur. At Matariki in July, Glenfern Sanctuary will welcome home Niho Taniwha (Chevron Skinks)— one of New Zealand’s rarest and most remarkable reptiles.

In the 1990s, two Niho Taniwha were removed from Aotea and transferred to Auckland Zoo for protection and breeding. Now, more than 30 years later, some of their descendants are returning home to Aotea.

This translocation has the blessing and support of Ngāti Rehua - Ngāti Wai ki Aotea and represents an extraordinary conservation achievement and cultural reconnection. This return symbolises hope, restoration and the continuing healing of Aotea’s ecosystems.

The community will be invited to join a powhiri at DOC (Okiwi offices)1100am. Glenfern will be closed to public from 12.30-1.45pm for the release. From 2pm we welcome you to our Community Centre for pizza and celebration.

As the Matariki stars rise once again in our winter skies, we welcome this special season of reflection, remembrance, renewal, and hope.

For those of us on Aotea Great Barrier Island, Matariki holds particular significance. Far from the city lights, our night skies remain some of the clearest and darkest in New Zealand, allowing us to experience the wonder of the heavens much as our ancestors did. The appearance of the Matariki star cluster marks the beginning of the Māori New Year—a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Winter at Glenfern Sanctuary has a beauty all of its own. Crisp, clear days, sparkling night skies, birdsong through the forest, and the quiet peace of the Sanctuary invite us to slow down and reconnect with nature.

We warmly invite you to visit Glenfern during this Matariki season. Walk among the ancient trees, enjoy the winter sunshine, and take a moment to appreciate the natural world that surrounds us. Whether you come to reflect, explore, or simply enjoy the tranquillity here, we look forward to welcoming you.

Volunteers are Bringing Energy and New Life to the Sanctuary

One of the most exciting developments has been the growth of our volunteer programme. We now have a steady stream of volunteers arriving from around New Zealand and overseas to contribute to conservation work while experiencing life on Aotea.

 With the new volunteer cabins and communal facilities now complete, Glenfern is becoming a truly special conservation volunteering destination. Volunteer Story – Bart from the Netherlands

Hi there! My name is Bart, and I spent a couple of weeks volunteering at Glenfern Sanctuary on Aotea. 🛥️ We started off in Auckland with a rowdy sailing across to Aotea on Sealink. Because we arrived in Tryphena, Steve picked us up — and honestly, a scenic one-hour drive to Port Fitzroy is far better than an eight-hour walk! Another option is Barrier Air, which makes it just a 30-minute journey from Auckland to Claris. 

🏡 The new volunteer cabins and central kitchen are amazing. After months of hostel travel, having your own space felt luxurious. One of our first activities was walking the Glenfern Loop Track through the sanctuary — an incredible introduction to the flora, fauna and landscape we’d be working in. 

🌲 Daily work started around 8:30am and usually involved trapping lines in the bush. You move through dense native forest surrounded by giant kauri and constantly accompanied by curious pīwakawaka/fantails. There was also gardening, helping around the house, and track maintenance. 

🛶 Because the workdays are only around five hours, there was plenty of time to explore the island. We kayaked from the jetty, spotted stingrays, swam in the harbour and even experienced bioluminescence in the water beneath the stars. 

🌄 One highlight was climbing Hirakimata/Mt Hobson for sunset and sunrise. Aotea’s dark sky environment is extraordinary. One of my greatest New Zealand memories will always be swimming in glowing bioluminescent water under the Milky Way at Glenfern’s jetty.

 🥞 But what truly makes Glenfern special are the people. Steve, Christine and Kate made everyone feel welcome. Whether it was coffee trips to Orama, pizza nights, baking cakes or drinks at the boat club, it felt like a community immediately.

New Signage at Sunset Rock

Protecting Nature Today for Generations to Come

Glenfern welcomed 676 visitors April, a fantastic reflection of interest in the Sanctuary and eco-tourism on Aotea, and the incredible work happening here.

The months ahead promise to be transformative for Glenfern Sanctuary.

Between expanding volunteer programmes, increasing visitor engagement,strengthening partnerships, and ambitious biodiversity projects like the Niho Taniwha translocation, Glenfern continues to evolve. Thank you to everyone — volunteers, supporters, mana whenua, visitors, donors and staff — who continue to make this work possible.We look forward to seeing you at Glenfern soon.

The powerhouse Trust Chair Rupert Wilson and the inimitable Christine Clemow!