Governed by: DOC, Ngāti Toa and Friends of Mana Island
This seemingly flat-topped island is a distinctive feature of Wellington's west coast, and is home to about 20 takahē including 8 breeding pairs.
Mana has a longstanding history with takahē recovery, being the first secure island site establish to facilitate takahē breeding, and remains to be one of the most productive ones.
Mana Island takahē
Original founders Tilly, Alec, Squeak, Taku, Matakau, Terri, Ernie and Selwyn were introduced to Mana from Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre and Te Anau Wildlife Centre. These takahē formed the founding population and with their offspring have made Mana one of the most prolific breeding sites for takahē.
Mana birds have been used to help establish takahē populations on Kapiti, Tiritiri Matangi and Motutapu Island. Birds and eggs (in the past) have also been transferred to the Burwood Takahē Centre and have contributed significantly to the growing takahē population. Seven of these birds Tametame, Te Uatorikiriki, Nohorua, Rerehu, Pipper, Moana and Tupuanuku are to become the founders for the new wild takahē site.
The much adored Puffin and T2 were retired to ZEALANDIA in Wellington. Teebee was retired to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. In early 2015 Grant and Flotsam were retired to Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary near Taupo. All of these birds have played an important role in being ambassadors for takahē and the Takahē Recovery Programme.
Visit Mana
Mana Island is open to visitors between 8 am and 5 pm. Find out about visiting Mana Island.
Friends of Mana Island
- Visit the Friends of Mana Island website
- Follow Friends of Mana Island on Facebook