Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua facts for kids
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Kamau Taurua (Māori)
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Looking across Port Chalmers to the Otago Peninsula. Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua is visible to the left of the picture, and Goat Island / Rakiriri in the centre.
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| Geography | |
| Location | Otago Harbour |
| Coordinates | 45°49′42″S 170°37′59″E / 45.828216°S 170.633104°E |
| Area | 15 ha (37 acres) |
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New Zealand
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 4 (2019) |
| Additional information | |
| Jointly managed by the QIKT Community Inc and Department of Conservation | |
Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua is the biggest island in Otago Harbour, which is near the city of Dunedin, New Zealand.
This island is about 15 hectares (or 37 acres) in size. It is a public park where anyone can visit and enjoy nature. The buildings on the island are looked after by the Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua Community (QIKTC). The island is managed together by QIKTC and the Department of Conservation.
A smaller island, Goat Island / Rakiriri, is very close to Quarantine Island. Both islands are located in the harbour between the town of Port Chalmers and the Portobello Marine Laboratory on the Otago Peninsula.
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What's in a Name?
This island has had a few different names over time. One of its older names was St Martin Island. In 1996, as part of an agreement with the Ngāi Tahu people, the name Kamau Taurua was officially added. Kamau Taurua means 'a place to set nets' in the Māori language.
Island's Past: A Quarantine Station
From 1863 to 1924, Quarantine Island was used as a special "quarantine station" for the Otago region. A quarantine station is a place where people are kept separate to stop diseases from spreading. It was one of only four such stations in New Zealand.
When ships arrived in Otago Harbour with sick passengers, everyone on board had to stay on the island. This was usually for one or two weeks, but sometimes longer. The few passengers who were actually sick were treated in a hospital building at the top of the island.
In total, 41 ships were quarantined here. About 9,000 people stayed on the island during this time. Sadly, around 70 people died there. There is a small cemetery on the island where these people and some of the station's staff are buried.
Military Hospital During World War I
During the First World War, the island was used as a military hospital. Soldiers who had serious illnesses were sent there for treatment. At that time, it was called the 'Port Chalmers Military Hospital'.
Today, only one of the main buildings from the quarantine station years is still standing. This building has been saved and is now protected. The island is recognized as a special historic area by the NZ Historic Places Trust. After the quarantine station closed in 1924, the buildings were sold, and the island was leased out.
Visiting the Island Today
The area around the buildings is now leased by the Quarantine Island/Kamau Taurua Community. This group was started in 1958 and was first known as the St Martin Island Community. The rest of the island is managed together by the Community and the Department of Conservation.
A person called the "resident keeper" lives on the island and welcomes visitors to St Martin Lodge. They also help with many projects on the island. These projects include looking after the environment, running educational programs, preserving history, and celebrating culture.
