Increasingly intensive pest control by Piroa-Brynderwyns Landcare is reaping rewards for native forests and wildlife over a 25,000 ha area between Bream Tail, Waipu Cove and Marunui. Kiwi were observed in several new locations in 2021 and other rare species including Hochstetter’s Frogs, kākā and koromiko/bellbird were also seen or recorded. … [Read more...]
Super-Dad Marohi’s 9th Kiwi Chick in 4 Years!
Super-Dad Marohi has just hatched his ninth chick in four years out on the Tutukaka Coast! After 74 nights of nesting, the emergence of Marohi's newest chick has thrilled the hard working Tutukaka Landcare group. Their 10,000 ha predator control network and excellent dog owners means the local kiwi are again nesting successfully and … [Read more...]
Purerua Records Highest Kiwi Call Count in History
The highest kiwi call rate ever recorded at a single site in NZ during kiwi call count surveys has been documented on the Purerua Peninsula in the Bay of Islands. Retiring Department of Conservation Director General Lou Sanson said the 217 kiwi calls recorded at Mataka Station over two hours in May 2021 were to his knowledge the highest number … [Read more...]
First Kiwi Chicks of the Season!
The first kiwi chicks of the season are hatching! Kiwi nesting is in full swing all over the Kiwi Coast, and the first kiwi chicks are beginning to emerge from the nesting burrows - much to the relief of the incubating kiwi Dad's! Kiwi incubate their eggs for longer than almost any other bird, averaging 70 nights of egg warming, turning, and … [Read more...]
Harry “Houdini” the Kiwi Makes a Last Escape
After three years of Harry Hunts, Harry "Houdini" the kiwi has made a last escape! Harry has been one of four kiwi on the Tutukaka Coast monitored via a tiny radio transmitter strapped to his leg. Released by Tutukaka Landcare in 2018, Harry became known as "Harry Houdini" due to his disappearing act around the time each six-monthly health … [Read more...]
Kiwi Return to Tahere
Kiwi have returned to Tahere thanks to dedicated efforts of the local community. Taheke Landcare released 10 kiwi into their 2,000 hectare predator controlled area on Saturday April 17th. Arwen Page from Taheke Landcare says “This kiwi release is a significant milestone that the community has been working towards for a long time. It has … [Read more...]
Four More Kiwi Released on Tutukaka Coast
Four adult kiwi have made a planned escape from their managed isolation on an island in the Whangarei harbour to a luxurious lifestyle on the Tutukaka Coast. The lucky birds were welcomed to Tawapou farm on Sunday by nearly 300 visitors who had a chance to see the birds close up before they were released into the wild. They are now part of … [Read more...]
Teina Tries to Hatch “Rocky”
Teina the kiwi's first nesting attempt, has not quite gone to plan! Initial news of Teina's nesting was met with much joy, as it was the first known kiwi nest in decades for the Owhiwa Landcare Group who are working hard to clear out the pests, keep dogs well controlled and help their small wild kiwi population flourish again. Unfortunately, … [Read more...]
Good News and Bad News for Owhiwa Kiwi
Which do you want first? The good news or bad news for Owhiwa kiwi? The good news, is that today the first kiwi chick in decades has been found in the Owhiwa Landcare area. At just 577g, the chick was at it's most vulnerable - especially to predators such as stoats, that kill 95% of kiwi chicks before their first birthday. Once over 1kg, kiwi … [Read more...]
How Kiwi are Like Elephants!
The closest relative to the kiwi has been found, by DNA analysis, to be the extinct Madagascan Elephant bird. These birds were huge and no doubt called the Elephant bird due to their size. However the kiwi possibly has more in common with an elephant! The extra long bill of the kiwi could be seen as similar to an elephant’s trunk. In both the … [Read more...]