Motu Kaikoura (previously known as Selwyn Island) was bought for the people of New Zealand by the Government, the ASB Charitable Trusts, the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland local authorities and opened by the Prime Minister on 7 May 2005.

The 564 hectare island is now an open sanctuary for native flora and fauna and is subject to continuous pest control. It is located 80m at its closest point to the west coast of Great Barrier Island, 90km NNE of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

It is an island of huge potential for conservation purposes and NZ desperately needs more secure sanctuaries for our wildlife.  The aim is to support natural regeneration of the vegetation free of invasive plants and animals.