Today’s article is written by Ana Tiraa, a landowner in the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) and the project manager from 1996 to 1998.
From my early involvement in the TCA to the present day, I am heartened that the TCA continues to survive. Ian Karika has been a true legend in sustaining its work and momentum, and kudos to the traditional leaders and landowners of the TCA as well. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers, including the Department of Conservation staff, who have contributed their time and effort over the years.
Through the National Environment Service, the Takitumu Conservation Area (TCA) has gained significant attention globally. It represents a “gold standard” for how indigenous land rights can successfully drive world-class biodiversity outcomes.
A major reason for the spotlight on the TCA recently is because of its status as the Pacific’s first officially registered OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure) in 2024. Unlike a traditional “National Park” where the government owns the land, an OECM recognises areas where conservation is achieved through local management. This framework allows indigenous families to keep their land titles and traditional rights while, in the case of the TCA, being globally recognised for their environmental stewardship.
The TCA is most well known for the recovery of the Kākerōri (Rarotonga Flycatcher), once one of the rarest birds on Earth. In 1989, there were only 29 birds left. That same year, an intensive Kākerōri recovery programme was launched. Then, in 1995, the Pacific wide South Pacific Biodiversity Conservation Project (SPBCP), executed through the Secretariat of the Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP), was started. This was supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Australian Government. It covered 14 island countries across the Pacific, including the Cook Islands.
Under the SPBCP umbrella the TCA was established by the landowners in 1996. Of those 14 countries supported by the SPBCP, only five, including the Cook Islands, have sustained their conservation projects to this day. A common theme for those counties with ongoing success is the strong traditional ownership, with the landowners remaining as the primary decision makers. For the TCA management is by a committee representing the three indigenous landowning families (tribes) of Ngati Kainuku, Ngati Karika and Ngati Manavaroa. Rat control and habitat protection efforts in the TCA have helped the Kākerōri population to grow to over 620 birds today.
Some birds were translocated to the island of Atiu to start a second colony, ensuring the species would survive even if a major cyclone hit Rarotonga. While no population census has been completed recently in Atiu, the population is thriving. Atiu legend George Mateariki (Birdman George), who sadly passed away just before Christmas, was famous for being able to call in the Kākerōri by mimicking the bird’s call. He served as a steward and friend of the Kākerōri on Atiu
Despite these important and successful conservation gains, efforts must be sustained. The ship rat remains the biggest threat to the birds’ future. If rat control inside the TCA is stopped, we would see the birds’ population decline again. In September 2025, a new contract was signed under the GEF-7 Enua Project. This provides the TCA with fresh funding to implement its Management Plan, focusing on climate resilience and invasive species management.