Recovery Island

tracking tunnels on Rotoroa Island when she began finding glass jars secreted in the foliage. The sanctuary island in Auckland’s Waitemat? Harbour was undergoing intensive pest control, and the tunnels, equipped with ink pads and card, were laid to capture the footprints of the species passing by and monitor their numbers. The jars were nestled amongst the large roots of pōhutukawa trees, where the shelter of a natural “larder” kept them clean and dry. At first, Ritchie was puzzled. But then she recalled a story she had heard about the history of the island. For nearly 100 years, it was the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation facility, where addicts were sent to overcome their affliction away from the temptations of the mainland. The jars were the remains of secret alcohol production by patients trying to ease their withdrawal symptoms by drinking concoctions made from turnips and other vegetable matter set