Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua is to become a crèche for future kiwi populations within the Bay of Plenty.

The release of three young kiwi onto the island on Tuesday (22 July) marks the start of the crèche programme, as part of Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery (BNZKR).

The birds have been raised to their current age at Rainbow Springs through the BNZKR’s Operation Nest Egg programme, originating as eggs from the Whirinaki Forest Park. Up to another four kiwi are also to be released over future years, with the total eight being sourced from Whirinaki as well as the wider Rotorua district.

Mokoia Island provides the ideal habitat for the baby kiwi because it is now predator free and also very close to a major urban centre.

“This provides an opportunity for the Mokoia Island Trust, on behalf of the island’s owners, to become readily involved in kiwi protection and to spread the message about the importance of such sites to other visitors and the public,” said trust board Chairman, Selwyn Bennett.

“The concept is also an exciting opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the Trust Board, Te Arawa, Ngati Whare, Ngati Manawa, Ngati Awa, Rainbow Springs Ltd and the Department of Conservation.”

Release of the chicks onto Mokoia was particularly rewarding because of the co-operation it showed between so many groups, said Paul Boyes, spokesperson for Rainbow Springs Ltd.

“It shows that together, we can produce something the whole community can be proud of.”

Bank of New Zealand Recovery Trust’s executive director, Kieron Goodwin said “The Trust is thrilled to see DOC, local iwi and the general community working together on a project that allows kiwi to be reintroduced to an area in such close proximity to Rotorua, a major urban and tourism centre.”

The chicks have come from 50 eggs successfully incubated and reared at Rainbow Springs in a record season this year.

This release follows a previous initial single bird being placed on the island on Waitangi Day.  It is an integral part of plans for kiwi recovery throughout the Bay of Plenty, centred on Mokoia and Moutohora (Whale Island) where young kiwi can thrive without threat of predation.

Ongoing monitoring of the birds’ progress will be undertaken the Department of Conservation two and four weeks after their release, and then monthly for the first three months, then at six and 12 months of age.

For further information contact Phil Alley, Rotorua Lakes Area Manager,
Department of Conservation on 07 348 3610

Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust: 
Kieron Goodwin, 09 3751084 or 029 4784610.

The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust was established in November 2002 by the Bank of New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, building on an 11-year sponsorship relationship.  The Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust is responsible for public awareness and education, fundraising, sponsorship and grant allocations for kiwi recovery nationally.