Party for predator-free island that provided a haven for kākāpō recovery Posted on July 16, 2024 by Connor Johnson The Press - New Zealand June 22, 2024 One of New Zealand’s greatest conservation successes is being celebrated, 25 years after Whenua Hou/Codfish Island became predator free. The island, near Rakiura/Stewart Island, is best known as the home of the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery programme. Whenua Hou Komiti member Shona Sangster said the island’s role in biodiversity progress and saving taonga species could not be understated. It was only by securing Whenua Hou that the almost-extinct kākāpō were able to be saved, she said. Read Article