Spring in the Air – Kiwi on the Move at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Written by Tony Steenhart and Robert Schadewinkel
In early May this year, 41 kiwi pukupuku | little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) were released into the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary—the first mainland South Island release of kiwi pukupuku in nearly a century. Ten of the males were fitted with lightweight 12-gram radio transmitters, each operating on a unique frequency and emitting a steady beep every two seconds. These transmitters are gently secured just above the knee using a baby hospital wristband and allow our team, using a VHF receiver, to estimate each bird’s location through weekly radio-tracking triangulation. Kiwi pukupuku shelter in burrows where they sleep during the day, so they remain stationary and easier to track by radio.
Within two months the kiwi had dispersed through the Sanctuary, with the tagged males establishing territories of about 200 metres in radius. This indicated they were settling into their new homes—hopefully with a partner nearby, continuing nature’s cycle.
But as spring arrived in September, some kiwi decided to explore beyond their initial territories, taking advantage of the Sanctuary’s extensive track network.
Apa, the kiwi with the transmitter frequency #63, had typically moved along between Jacob’s Ladder and Kāmahi Track but crossed the Brook Stream into the mid-section of the Botanical Stream block between Falcon and Kanuka Spurs, seeking new ground.
Kawharu (frequency #55) showed true wanderlust, shifting progressively from near Falcon Gate to the Weka Stream area, crossing Falcon, Tuatara and Kākāriki Spurs in the process. Almost as if planning a tour around the Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Kumete (frequency #53) once content in a thorny hawthorn patch above the Beech Glade Classroom, relocated to the much less thorny Carters Creek area.
So, what drives these springtime journeys? Are they questing for prime kiwi real estate — or perhaps on the lookout for a better mate?
This translocation project is the result of over 20 years of vision, dedication, and collective care by the Sanctuary team, founders, and our wider community. Save the Kiwi and Ngāti Toa are our key partners for the joint venture of returning kiwi to Whakatū/Nelson. We invite you to follow their ongoing journey as these iconic birds reclaim their rightful place in the forests of Te Tauihu/Top of the South.
For deeper insight, look forward to the premiere of our official kiwi documentary in late October at The Suter Art Gallery, where you can hear firsthand from our conservation team and learn more about this landmark restoration effort.
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This landmark event marks the first attempt to re-establish the species on the mainland of the South Island.
This is the culmination of 20+ years of vision, hard work, and collective care. We’re beyond proud, and we can’t wait to share every step of this journey with you. 💚
FAQs
Approximately 40 kiwi pukupuku were translocated from their breeding grounds on Kapiti Island
After almost a century-long absence from Te Tauihu, kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) are coming back to Nelson.
“Te Waipounamu is the traditional home for kiwi pukupuku so being the first region to welcome them back to their whenua in almost a century is a privilege,” said Turi Hippolite from Ngāti Koata
Sanctuary ecologist Robert Schadewinkel said being given the permission to have kiwi pukupuku in the Sanctuary is an “incredible privilege.”
“The Sanctuary team is very excited to be able to reintroduce kiwi pukupuku to the region as part of our ecosystem efforts and visitor experience offering, after so many years in the planning,” said Schadewinkel. “Translocating the threatened kiwi pukupuku is vitally important in helping to sustain and grow their population.”
“This project was the vision of the original founders of the Sanctuary and marks 20 years made up of thousands of hours of volunteers and staff – past and present – who have created the environment in which kiwi can once again thrive in Nelson.”
The translocation was jointly funded by Save the Kiwi and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, who rely on the support of their 2500 members, local organisations such as Nelson City Council, generous individuals and local business sponsors. Local jeweller, Jens Hansen in particular, has contributed through the Kiwi Establishment Fund set up in 2022 and the proceeds from sales of their Golden Kiwi necklace.
Translocation refers to the capture, transport and release of individuals of a species from one location to another. A translocation is an integral part of reintroduction.
Kiwi pukupuku / little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) are unique to New Zealand. Their conservation status is currently ‘Threatened – Nationally Increasing’ (Robertson et al. 2021). The increase is due to newly established populations following translocations to offshore islands and fenced predator-free sanctuaries.
Kiwi pukupuku is the smallest of the five surviving species. Together with its larger relations, the great spotted kiwi and rowi, it is one of three kiwi species that used to roam the Nelson area. All three species went locally extinct after the arrival of introduced predators, especially stoats and dogs.
An experienced and accredited kiwi handler and translocation practitioner from Save the Kiwi oversaw all aspects of the operation, including catching and preparing birds on Kāpiti Island for translocation. Representatives from the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary worked in teams for several weeks in April on Kapiti Island.
In accordance with Wildlife Authority permit requirements, the team undertook various tasks such as banding/microchipping birds, conducting health checks, and collecting samples for disease screening. Samples will be sent to accredited laboratories, and transmitters will be fitted onto the birds as necessary. Additionally, the team will be responsible for removing or changing transmitters when needed.
Factors that contribute to a successful translocation include handling the birds with care, selecting healthy individuals, keeping the birds well-fed and watered, and minimising stress and overheating during transport and release.
The team took incredible care of the birds throughout the process and all 40 kiwi are now settling into their new home in the Sanctuary.
