Fifteen of New Zealand's smallest kiwi, pukupuku, were moved from Zealandia in Wellington to Cape Sanctuary in Hawke's Bay. This translocation aims to enhance the national kiwi population. It marks the first time pukupuku have been moved between sanctuaries since their reintroduction to the mainland two decades ago.
The collaboration involves Zealandia, local iwi, Cape Sanctuary, Kiwi Recovery, and the Department of Conservation. Pukupuku disappeared from the mainland in the late 1800s. Only five birds remained on Kāpiti Island.
Zealandia's general manager, Jo Ledington, noted that all 200 pukupuku at Zealandia originated from those five birds from Kāpiti Island. The translocation introduces new genetics to the Cape Sanctuary population. This is important because the existing birds there are related.
The kiwi were collected carefully, screened for diseases, and fitted with locator transmitters. They were released into their new home the same day. Ngāti Toa Rangatira representative, Russell Spratt, highlighted the cultural and spiritual connections reinforced by these translocations.
Terese McLeod, Taranaki Whānui representative, said the birds play "an honourable role for Te Taiao across Aotearoa". Hariata Dawn Bennett, cultural liaison for Cape Sanctuary, Ngāti Mihiroa, called it "a momentous moment". The transfer fulfills a long-held dream to care for these taonga.