Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SOTTM)
 Isobel (SOTTM) and Ray (DoC Ranger) sort puriri fruit gathered from the island |
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In 1971 the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board set up a consultancy group known as the Tiritiri Matangi Committee to look at how to recreate a forested island. The World Wild Life Fund was involved along with support from local government, an island restoration plan was developed.
Ray Walter (DoC ranger) and Mike Cole, a landscape architect, began raising seedlings in the island's nursery. By 1984 30,000 young trees were awaiting planting. Thousands of volunteers helped replant the island.
In 1988 The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SOTTM) was founded to help with the Tiritiri Matangi projects. It is a non-profit conservation volunteer group. It aims to
- promote and enhance the open sanctuary at Tiritiri Matangi and to ensure the continuation of the project;
- provide financial, material, and physical support for the work on Tiritiri Matangi;
- heighten public awareness of the existence and role of Tiritiri Matangi as an open sanctuary;
Tiritiri Matangi has become New Zealand's most successful example of community involvement in a conservation project. It is also recognised worldwide by conservation groups and organisations. SOTTM volunteers come out to the island on a daily basis. They guide groups through the walks, helping to identify plants and birdlife and explaining the history of the island. Many schools visit, as it is an ideal place for conservation education.
Other Supporters take a holiday break and stay on the island for a few days assisting with the up-keep of the island's flora, fauna and other projects. DoC rangers, Barbara and Ray Walter, provides the essential coordination for this work from their home on the island.