The following story has been written by our President, Robyn;
It was an absolute privilege to travel to Motutapu Island on Friday to meet three five-week old Kiwi that were ready for release.
The invite came from the Motutapu Restoration Trust via Eco-Warrior Peter B. Peter wasn’t able to attend the day so put a call-out to his Science & Environment team to go in his place (not so easy on a weekday). Avi, Kyle (Avi’s son) and I jumped at the opportunity. There were almost 200 people present, from various groups who have contributed in some way to the environmental work on Motutapu. It was amazing how quiet the group was (as per instructions) because excited-loud noise would have been too unsettling for the baby Kiwi. The Kiwi handlers let the birds nestle into them and calmly walked around us so that we could ‘ohhh and ahhh’ (ever so quietly) and take photographs. We weren’t allowed to touch the birds but just seeing them so close and in the light of day, was awesome. After a good half an hour of shy posing, the Kiwi babies (totally self sufficient within hours of hatching) were safely returned to nesting boxes for the handlers to spirit away for their private release at an undisclosed location on the Island.
This release marked Kiwi 100 (plus buddies) on Motutapu. The Trust advised the Island could support up to 200 Kiwi – so they have plenty more releases to plan for. Kiwi eggs are taken from birds in the Coromandel where survival has not been great. Eggs are then carefully incubated for successful hatching and release. Once maximum numbers are established on Motutapu, the plan is to release Kiwi back into the Coromandel to rebuild numbers there.
Rotary Clubs of Newmarket and St Johns got a special mention for their work on Motutapu. There was also an opportunity to walk up the track and check out areas where RCSJ has assisted with planting. Growth is looking very healthy! A superb way to spend a sunny, hot Friday leaving three human Kiwi’s from RCSJ feeling very fortunate.