Education

Last week, we met with Alix from @natureland_wildlife_trust for a translocation catch-up.

Natureland has been a great support setting us up with the knowledge and hands-on guidance on how to care for Nelson’s new kākā.

Alix confirms that the kākā have gained a healthy amount of weight - which is a good thing during these cold winter days when natural foraging opportunities start to become scarce.

On the menu for the kākā are nutrient dense breeder pellets which are fed in the hopper-feeders which you can see next to the aviary, as well as nectar dough and fruit which are hidden in trees to encourage the natural foraging behaviour of the birds. In future, the young kākā will increasingly learn to find their own food in the ngahere and eventually will no longer rely on our supplementary feeding.

Please, never feed a kākā yourself, as there are many human-foods which can seriously harm or kill kākā! Also, getting in close contact with wildlife, can lead to injuries and the spread of diseases. The best way to help our manu to get through the tough winter months, is to plant native plants!

But how do you weigh a kākā? We check the weight of our birds as regularly as possible - a piece of fruit is stuck on a metal wire which is attached to a branch on a scale. To get the fruit, the kākā must hop on the branch. A staff member then can get a quick look at how heavy the bird is.

A special acknowledgement to @ngatiapakiterato for their support in this role as kaitiaki.

📷 Photo credit: Nancy Holden and Steffi Kuenstle

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island`s largest fully fenced eco-sanctuary, protecting 690 hectares of native forest just minutes from Nelson city. Our mission is to restore a thriving, pest-free ecosystem where New Zealand`s endangered wildlife can flourish.

Thanks to the support of our community, visitors, staff, volunteers, and partners, we have successfully reintroduced kiwi pukupuku, tuatara, kākā, kākāriki karaka, and giant Powelliphanta land snails. Each milestone brings us one step closer to restoring a healthy native forest for future generations.

Every visit, donation, membership, and act of support helps bring this vision to life. These contributions directly support vital conservation work, including habitat restoration, species monitoring, biosecurity, environmental education, and community engagement. They also empower our dedicated staff and volunteers to continue protecting native wildlife and inspiring others to become kaitiaki of our natural environment.

There are many ways you can support Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. Become a Sanctuary Member, join as a Business Supporter, volunteer your time, make a donation, or simply visit the Sanctuary. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps protect our native wildlife and ensures this special place continues to thrive.

Together, we are making a lasting impact—restoring biodiversity, safeguarding threatened species, and creating a legacy where nature can flourish for generations to come.

📷Photo credits: kākāriki karaka & kiwi pukupuku - Sean McGrath, Top Weir Dam by Will Bixley.