Tawhiti Rahi is one of the monitored kiwi on the stunning Tutukaka Coast.
He was released in 2023 at Matapouri by Tutukaka Landcare and Te Whanau a Rangiwhakaahu. Tawhiti Rahi quickly made himself at home on the coast looking out to the Poor Knights Islands, one of which he is named after.
Tawhiti Rahi has been fitted with a tiny radio tracking device which allows him to be monitored while he adapts to his new environment.
Much to the relief of the kiwi trackers, Tawhiti Rahi seems to be one of our more settled kiwi, and may be establishing a territory on the steep hillside south of Waitokitoki Way.
His transmitter data tells us that through the long winter nights since his release, he has been happily foraging for an average of 12.5 hours every night. As the weedy hillside is covered in prickly gorse, head high cutty grass (pampas) and skin irritating woolly nightshade, while the monitors are happy to know where he is, hopefully he’s in a easier spot when it’s time for his six-monthly health check and transmitter change!
Will Tawhiti Rahi settle down with the female (Aorangi) that he was released with? Or will he pair up with a locally born Tutukaka female kiwi..?
You can become a kiwi sponsor and follow the life and adventures of Tawhiti Rahi by signing up to the Kiwi Coast ‘Follow a Kiwi’ Program. As a Follow the Kiwi Sponsor you will receive news, updates, photos and event invites FIRST!
Tawhiti Rahi on his release day with Te Whanau a Rangiwhakaahu kaumatua Aperahama Edwards and Kris Macdonald, and Ngaire Sullivan, Kiwi Coast Coordinator. Photo: Kieran Pullman