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Great Barrier Island is situated approximately 100 kilometres off the north-eastern coast of Auckland, New Zealand. It is the fourth largest island in NZ at 28,000 hectares and has a small population of approximately 800-1000. Two thirds of the island is managed as part of the Department of Conservation estate who ensure protection of the unique geography and actively protect three rare and endangered species; the Chevron Skink, Pateke (brown teal duck) and the Black Petrel. With large areas of regenerating forest, the island is considered a stronghold for the North Island Kaka and the native wood pigeon, Kereru. The island has remained free of many of the introduced pests that have plagued mainland NZ forests. There are no deer, ferrets, stoats, possums, hedgehogs, or feral goats, making the island unique ecologically and, with such a reduced suite of pests, a strong contender for warranting a pest free status.