First mainland breeding population of takahe to be established in the North Island New Zealand.

A pair of the critically endangered takahe birds has been flown from two off-shore islands to a protected area on Maungatautari Reserve as part of the Department of Conservation’s ongoing recovery plan for the species. The one-and-a-half year old birds have never met but the hope is that they will breed on Maungatautari to establish a population in the North Island of New Zealand.

A helicopter collected the young bachelor Kina from Maud Island and then flew to Mana Island to collect his future life partner Kelly. Representatives from the Maori tribe Ngai Tahu, who are guardians of the birds, met with members of Ngati Koroki Kahukura, the recipient tribe, in Wellington and flew with them on a domestic flight to Hamilton Airport.

 

After the birds received a thorough health check they were escorted to a secluded area on the mountain. In accordance with Maori protocol their names were changed to acknowledge the gifting tribe and current events.

Kelly’s new name is Matariki to acknowledge the Maori New Year which is celebrated from 16 June. Kina has been given the name Hauhunga which means the falling of the snow. The Ngai Tahu land in the South Island is currently covered with a blanket of snow.

Following a brief prayer they were released to gasps of delight from the small group gathered. Matariki and Hauhunga spent a few moments with each other before wandering off in different directions to explore their new home.

Staff from the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust observed the pair from a safe distance and was delighted to see Hauhunga chewing on some punga leaves.

While the birds are considered too young to breed this year they will bond ready to produce chicks next year.

 

'The 3,400 hectares of native bush on Maungatautari is being restored to provide a safe haven for New Zealand’s endangered species - now to be able to help increase the takahe population is wonderful for all supporters and volunteers, said Jim Mylchreest, Maungatautari Trust chief executive.

 

Fossil remains in the area around Maungatautari show that a North Island takahe species once existed on the mountain. As they are now unfortunately extinct the Trust has decided, after much consultation with species recovery groups, to introduce the closely related South Island takahe.

Dr Kerri-Anne Edge, Takahe Recovery Group Leader with the Department of Conservation said that 'of the 300 birds left in the world, 96 live on predator-free islands around New Zealand. Each year we move some of these between the islands to prevent closely related birds from mating. This is the first time we have transferred birds from the islands onto the mainland.'

www.maungatrust.org

For further information please contact Julie Milne at the Maungatautari Trust, email: Julie@mediaprofile.co.nz