A long-held dream of Kiwi Coast came to fruition last week as our dedicated kiwi rehabilitation centre was officially opened with Te Whiu and Puketōtara Landcare.
Article by Andrew Mentor, Puketōtara Landcare and Mid North Kiwi Coast Coordinator.
On Friday February 23rd, a small group of Puketōtara residents and local hapū Te Whiu acknowledged the vision of Kiwi Coast to provide a kiwi rehabilitation centre for sick and distressed kiwi in the Mid and Far North of Northland.
While gathered together at the centre for the official opening, a pair of kukupa (native wood pigeon) flew overhead as if to acknowledge the kaitiakitanga shown for the region’s kiwi. The fly-over provided a poignant moment as all present reflected on the nearly two-year journey from concept, to groundbreaking, to permitting and now to completion.
The centre represents the collaboration of Kiwi Coast, Puketōtara Landcare and Te Whiu hapū to come together with a shared kaupapa to care for our kiwi-nui and provide a safe place for this taonga to recuperate from trauma and stress. The hapū blessed the vision and building with a prayer and gifted the name Te Korowai Atawhai o Puketōtara – “The Caring Cloak of Puketōtara”.
Kiwi Rehabilitation Centre Blessing and Opening – Kiwi Coast, Te Whiu and Puketōtara Landcare, Feb 23 2024. Photo: Philippa Blomeley, Kiwi Coast
The encouragement from the many groups, iwi, Department of Conservation, suppliers, builders, volunteers and other supporters has made this project a success and a valuable asset for conservation into the future. If you are wanting to help with ongoing kiwi rehabilitation costs, you can find our more here, or for more details, or contact Andrew on 0224 675 173.
Kiwi Coast thanks all those involved, including the funds from the Follow a Kiwi sponsors and Foundation North that helped make it all possible.
Anyone finding an injured or distressed kiwi in the Bay of Islands or Far North should call the 24-hour conservation hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) in the first instance.
