The first release of kiwi chicks into Egmont National Park is planned for Wednesday, April 20th in a partnership between the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and the Department of Conservation. The release has been made possible through the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust’s ‘Operation Nest Egg’ programme.

Taranaki Kiwi Trust chairperson, Barry Hartley says that the release is a huge milestone. “We have been working towards this goal for a year and a half, and we are very excited to be achieving something real for the kiwi population in Egmont National Park. Boosting this population with young birds is essential to secure its future.”

Two chicks, one female and one male, named ‘Tara’ and ‘Naki’ were hatched from three eggs recovered from private land at Purangi, east of Inglewood in October last year. The eggs were taken to Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua where two of the three eggs hatched successfully.

Now 20-22 weeks old, they have reached the ideal weight of about 1200 grams, which gives them a fighting chance against predators such as stoats.

The birds will be released in the north eastern section of the park, right in the middle of a predator control area. Both ‘Tara’ and ‘Naki’ will be fitted with a small transmitter attached to their leg, so their whereabouts and progress can be monitored by Taranaki Kiwi Trust and DOC staff. It is hoped that further releases in future years will help boost the kiwi population to a viable size.

The Department of Conservation’s Stratford Area manager Robert Bennett said the release was a first for the park and a giant step toward securing the long term future of the kiwi population in the park. Currently, it is estimated that only 30-40 pairs of kiwi remain there.

Over the past three years, 1720 stoat traps have been set out over 6000ha of Egmont National Park to protect both kiwi and whio (blue duck).

“During that time nearly 500 stoats, more than 20 ferrets, almost 100 weasels, 1750 rats and 50 hedgehogs have been nailed by the traps, which will certainly aid the survival of kiwi chicks in this area.” said Mr Bennett.

Dogs are another main threat to kiwi and the Department has adopted a zero tolerance approach whereby dog owners found taking them into the park will be prosecuted.

The two chicks will be transported from Rotorua to the Mangaoraka Picnic Area at North Egmont, where formalities will take place. The patron of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and former Governor General Sir Paul Reeves will be attending. From Mangaoraka they will be carried three and a half kilometres to the release site.

DOC staff have already prepared burrows for them so that the kiwi settle in easily and become familiar with their surroundings before coming out at night to forage.

“At another Operation Nest Egg (ONE) site at Boundary Stream Mainland Island in Hawke's Bay, ONE kiwi have produced the first chick to hatch in the reserve. The Department, the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust, the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and tangata whenua are all hoping for a similar result for the park” said Mr Bennett.

Taranaki Kiwi Trust - contact: info@taranakikiwi.org.nz

The Taranaki Kiwi Trust was established 2001. In October 2003 a partnership was launched between the Taranaki Kiwi Trust and the Department of Conservation with the signing of a three year memorandum of understanding for the Egmont National Park Kiwi Conservation Programme. The basis of this programme is a five year plan jointly prepared by the Trust and the Department. The Trust also undertakes advocacy, education work, and also assists fledgling predator trapping projects starting out throughout Taranaki, via the Trust’s “Self-help” programme.

DOC media liaison:
Carol Greensmith cgreensmith@doc.govt.nz