A mainland island 4km east of Wainuiomata town covering 1,200 hectares was established 15 years ago to protect the pristine native forest that many native species call home. Species like tītipounamu (rifleman), kākāriki, pōpokatea (whitehead), koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo) and kiwi. The protection of forest habitat for these birds is vital to their long-term survival.