Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Date: 19 December 2019
After being injured and spending time at the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei, two Kiwi made a trip back home to the Bay of Islands in full health. Both arrived at the centre under very different circumstances.
After being discovered by a local farmer in Rangitane, two kiwi eggs were rushed to the Recovery Centre. During the drive, one of the eggs started hatching and by 9 pm a healthy chick was hatched.
With the Recovery Centre Team’s help, the chick got a great start to life and was released back into its home at Rangitane. Unfortunately, the other egg didn’t survive and will be used for educational purposes.
The other kiwi released had been hit by a vehicle on Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North in early December. Normally, a kiwi wouldn’t survive such a devastating event, but this female has fully recovered and was returned home to Okuratope, Waimate North.
Both kiwi were released on the same day, with the help Waimate North Landcare Group, Kerikeri Peninsular Pest Control Group and local DOC staff.
“We are so thankful for the community conservation groups and their ongoing pest control efforts, without them and the support from the Whangarei Kiwi Recovery Centre, none of this would be possible”, said DOC Biodiversity Ranger Cinzia Vestena.
If you find a kiwi egg or injured kiwi call 0800 DOC HOT.