Kaikoura Island

Kaikoura Island

The Motu Kaikoura Trust has been formed to manage the restoration of Kaikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

The 564 hectare island is now an open sanctuary for native flora and fauna and is subject to continuous pest control. It is located 80 m at its closest point to the west coast of Great Barrier Island, 90 km NNE of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.

A Dream Too Far?

Latest Newsletter June 2011

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Last update 23rd September 2011

A Dream too Far?

We certainly don't think so. The date is December 2010. 'Miro' is the first kokako chick to fledge in the Waitakere Ranges in 80 years, following the successful introduction of adult kokako from other management areas. This epoch-making achievement is only because of persistent pest control by many dedicated members of the 'Ark in the Park' team. Predator control is well underway on Kaikoura Island too, and in years to come when the native bush has fully recovered, there's no reason to doubt the practicality of introducing a similar range of avian species as currently undergoing their renaissance in other carefully managed areas such as Tawharanui and Tiritiri Matangi.

The photograph by John Stewart shows 'Miro' being held by Robbie Havell during the attachment of leg rings. Note the mauve colour of Miro's wattle - it will have changed to blue by adulthood.

Thanks to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, Waitakere Branch.