A Northland hapū is scrambling to raise enough money to buy an island put up for tender and closing on Wednesday.
A Go Fund Me page was set up to raise cash to purchase Motukaraka Island.
The island has a CV of $85,000 - the group has raised around $25,000.
Campaign leader Ana Sarich says the land is home to a Pa and the site of a historic battle.
She says they'll be putting in a bid regardless of how much they've raised.
"For the first time since 1925, Motukaraka Island in Northland is available to purchase (since being taken by the government) and we are fundraising to buy it back for Ngai Tupoto [sic]" the GoFundMe page says.
"Motukaraka Island is a small low lying island in the beautiful Hokianga Harbour but is regarded as a wahi tapu (sacred place). For years, the people of Ngai Tupoto have tried to convince the family who own it, to turn it into a reserve because of the sacred history it represents, but they were never interested.
"We're hoping to raise as much money as possible to purchase this island, with the plan to turn it into a reserve and protect it for generations to come. If successful, any surplus raised will be put back into the island regarding rates, and the community.
"What will be done with any surplus: As this campaign is aimed at preserving and nurturing places of significance within the Hokianga Harbour, any surplus will be placed into a trust that will continue to do this work."
Newshub.
