It can be heavy-going buffalo grass, and even more difficult on the steep cliff faces which harbour Madeira vine. To date, only one species has been totally eradicated, but many weeds have been dramatically reduced in coverage.

In 2017 a menacing pathogen was discovered on the island. Myrtle rust now threatens the island’s endemic pohutukawa forests, creating biosecurity concerns both inbound and outbound.

Take away the limiting factors, and in most cases, the environment will recover. Where permanent damage has occurred, nature will find a new balance, and new species will fill old niches.