A great start to the new year: keep it coming

Happy New Year for 2023. I hope you have all had a chance to have a break and are refreshed for the year ahead.

Tourist numbers to the Island are finally starting to improve after the Covid restrictions of the past two years. As a result, the shop on Tiritiri Matangi has recorded the best year-todate figures for the past three years to the end of December. The number of people taking guided walks is also increasing. So, well done to the shop volunteers and guides who have helped to make this happen.

Yvonne Vaneveld, Debbie Marshall and Mary-Ann Rowland have been covering for the guiding manager in January.

Explore Group has introduced its large new catamaran, Tuhi-Rapa, to the Island and this offers a comfortably superior ride.

Emma Dunning is retiring as a DOC ranger on Tiritiri Matangi from early February (see below) and is moving on to another island role on Motuihe. Emma will be greatly missed. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead and we will report back to members as these arise. If possible, please visit the Island and take advantage of the summer weather and let your friends know about Tiritiri Matangi; it always surprises me that many locals have never taken the chance to visit and experience its many treasures.

– Carl Hayson