Te Ao Tahi is one special kiwi!
Te Ao Tahi grew up on the Matakohe-Limestone Island kiwi creche in Whangarei Harbour. He was fitted with a tiny radio transmitter and released by Tutukaka Landcare into their 10,000ha pest controlled area in 2023.
He was the 200th kiwi to be released from the kiwi creche. His special name was bestowed Te Parawhau kaumatua and means “Centre of the Universe”.
After his release he explored the Tutukaka Coast, sticking close for a while to Matanui, one of his fellow released kiwi. They soon parted ways though, with Matanui heading for the hills and Te Ao Tahi settling into a nice wet swamp! He must like having his feet wet and muddy as with the high rainfall since his release, the wetland will be very splodgey indeed! Perhaps he’s thinking ahead and securing a good easy-foraging spot before summer arrives which some are predicting may turn to drought.
With a high nightly activity of around 12 to 13 hours, Te Ao Tahi is making the most of the long winter nights to forage and explore his new home.
Will Te Ao Tahi remain in his wetland wonderland through summer? Or will he team up with Matanui again?
You can become a kiwi sponsor and follow the life and adventures of Te Ao Tahi 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!
Te Ao Tahi and Matanui the kiwi’s tracking map shortly after release. Image: Tutukaka Landcare