A Documentary about Waiheke’s quest to eradicate the stoat is beginning a second phase of filming after a donation of $4,000 from the HGCT.
“Stoats’ Last Stand,”is a documentary short spotlighting the efforts of the Waiheke community and the group Te Korowai o Waiheke as they strive to make Waiheke the first urban island in the world to eliminate the invasive stoat.
Directed by first-time filmmaker Aaron J Cluka, the film captures the passion and perseverance behind Waiheke’s ambitious eradication program. Inspired by the island’s unique approach, Aaron began following the project in early 2020, channeling a long-standing commitment to conservation into his first major documentary.
“I want to show the world that when we work together, we can change the trajectory of our planet and not all is lost in the fight to save our environment and Aotearoa’s unique bird life. The community and conservation groups of Waiheke are a perfect example of how we can change the script for our birdlife” says Cluka.
The initial filming happened in September of 2025 with Aaron and a crew of four interviewing and filming across Waiheke and includes an interview with the Chair of the HGCT Ian Burrows. With additional funding from the Hauraki Gulf Conservation Trust, the production will return to film more across the island and the gulf to bring this story to screens. The film short will be screened on Waiheke later this year.
