Before European settlement, Māori occupied the island of Matiu for generations. It was later named Somes Island, and in the 19th century became a quarantine station for people and livestock. During the two world wars, people identified as ‘enemy aliens’ were interned there. From 1995 the Department of Conservation administered the island as a sanctuary for endangered species. It is now home to tuatara (lizard-like reptiles) and a number of rare bird species, including kākāriki. It was returned to Taranaki Whānui in a 2008 treaty settlement and is now governed by the Matiu/Somes Island Kaitiaki Board and managed by the Department of Conservation.
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by Chris Maclean
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