Welcoming the Kākā to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Welcoming the Kākā to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

The day has finally arrived. After years of focused effort to remove pests and predators and create a safe haven for protected wildlife, kākā are returning home to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Once abundant across the region, kākā populations declined significantly due to introduced pests and predators. Their return marks a powerful milestone — the result of nearly two decades of restoration work to rebuild an ecosystem where they can once again thrive in Nelson / Whakatū.

This dedication is already evident in the growing numbers of native birdlife now flourishing within the Sanctuary, including South Island robin, tomtit and kererū (wood pigeon). Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō will lead a Tuku Taonga ceremony to formally acknowledge the gifting and return of this treasured taonga species within our rohe, alongside the partners and community who have supported this long-term conservation journey. An aviary was established more than five years ago in anticipation of this moment.

The kākā will first be transferred to their temporary aviary to acclimatise before being released into the Sanctuary forest. We look forward to establishing a flourishing population of kākā, building on the success of earlier translocations of kākāriki karaka, tuatara and kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) — and now, kākā.