About Us

From New Zealand's first addiction treatment centre to thriving wildlife sanctuary, Rotoroa Island has always been a place of transformation. Today, the Rotoroa Island Trust is restoring it as an important sanctuary—a remarkable story of resilience, purpose, and second chances.

A timeline of Rotoroa's history

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army opens Rotoroa Island as New Zealand's first addiction treatment centre. The island becomes a self-sufficient community with vegetable gardens, working farms, and sprawling orchards.

Addiction Treatment Centre

Rotoroa Island operates as the longest-running addiction treatment centre in New Zealand, serving over 12,000 people seeking rehabilitation and recovery.

Rotoroa Island Trust

The Rotoroa Island Trust is established and purchases a 99-year lease from The Salvation Army, beginning restoration efforts.

Rotoroa Island Transformation

With dedicated partners and volunteers, the Trust transforms Rotoroa Island into a thriving wildlife sanctuary open to the public. A state-of-the-art visitor centre and museum showcase the island's complete history—from Māori and early European heritage through its pioneering role in addiction treatment.

1911

1911–2005

2009

2009–Present

Rotoroa Island began as the first catalytic project funded through the generosity of Neal and Annette Plowman , who later founded the NEXT Foundation to support large-scale environmental and education initiatives across Aotearoa. Their vision transformed the island into what it is today - a flourishing wildlife sanctuary and a place for learning, discovery, and connection with nature. Just a short boat ride from Auckland, Rotoroa is now open for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Our Impacts (2023)

Predator Free

Since 2013

400,000 Trees Planted

Over 20,000 pines removed

27 species planted to date

10,000+ Visitors

By ferry and boat.

Wildlife

26+ Kiwi Chicks Released

34+ Kiwi Translocated Off Island

6 Takahē Released, successfully breeding and rearing chicks

Education

1429+ Children

across 19+ Schools

Community

12 Regular Volunteers

952 Volunteer Hours

9405 Facebook & Instagram Followers

Meet our Island Team

Operations Manager

Jo Ritchie

Jo is passionate about creating predator-free sanctuaries where nature can thrive. With a background in planning and ecology, she's led numerous pest eradication successes and loves sharing conservation moments with curious visitors.

Visitor Services Ranger

Sandi Fitzgerald

With a hospitality background and recent experience in remote parts of Australia, Sandi is well suited to island life. Her role spans public facilities, holiday accommodation, volunteers, the souvenir kiosk, and welcoming visitors - with a keen interest in nature, wildlife, and conservation woven through it all.

Relieving Ranger

Al Grant

Al grew up cruising the Gulf Islands and wanted a way to give back to Tīkapa Moana – and so began a journey of working on Rotoroa. His favourite times on the island are summer evenings on Ladies Bay and taking a moment to take in the views from North Tower.

Relieving Ranger

Al Riach

Al loves the varied relief ranger work—from guided walks to mowing paddocks for takahē. Camera always in hand, he captures wildlife moments and is amazed by the island's transformation from farm to thriving bush since his first visit in the 1990s.

Relieving Ranger

Garry Boles

Garry has a passion for the Hauraki Gulf and enjoys being a relief ranger on Rotoroa Island. Garry's life experiences enable him to ensure visitors enjoy a safe and clean environment while on the island. He greets everyone with a smile and always has a can-do attitude.

Relieving Ranger

Chris

Chris has 30 plus year’s experience working on islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Firstly, as the Relieving Ranger for the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, based on Kawau. Then as a Ranger on Motuihe Island, Senior Ranger for the northern Hauraki Gulf and as Assistant Chief Ranger based in Auckland. He has extensive experience in pest management, marine reserves and freshwater fish management.