For nearly 50 years, kiwi pukupuku/ little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) were thought to be extinct on the mainland. In June 2025, DNA testing confirmed a kiwi found on the West Coast of the South Island was a kiwi pukupuku. The full extent of this surviving population is being investigated.

In the early 20th century, five kiwi pukupuku from the takiwā/tribal area of Ngāi Tahu were transferred from Jackson Bay to Kapiti Island as an insurance population. This population grew to form the foundation of all remaining kiwi pukupuku, aside from the recently rediscovered West Coast kiwi. Although currently increasing in numbers, the species has very low genetic diversity which could reduce its ability to cope with new diseases or environmental change.

Successful translocations from Kapiti Island have established kiwi pukupuku at 11 other protected locations, including seven other predator-free offshore islands, and four fenced mainland sanctuaries.

Adventurous and raring to go, little spotted kiwi chicks first leave home to feed themselves when just 5-7 days old. However, the male parent does stay near the young chick and both return to the nest burrow to sleep for up to 60 days after hatching.

Little spotted kiwi, Otorohonga Wildlife Trust