Incredible Kiwi Journey14km from Mount Tamahunga to Kaipara Flats!
Remember the mysterious kiwi spotted on a trail camera in Kaipara Flats recently? We’ve finally caught up with him—and he’s a kiwi from Mount Tamahunga! This remarkable bird has made an astonishing 14km journey, safely crossing The Forest Bridge and settling in Kaipara Flats. His successful crossing is clear proof that our collective predator control and trapping efforts are making a real difference!
A Team Effort to Track Him Down
On the morning of Sunday, 26th January, a dedicated team from Kaipara Kiwi, Tamahunga Trappers, and The Forest Bridge Trust set out on a mission to track and identify him. Armed with telemetry gear, Carol and Colin Beddow (Kaipara Kiwi), Megan (Tamahunga Trappers), Alex (Tamahunga Trappers & FBT), and Paula (Kaipara Kiwi & FBT) worked together to pinpoint his location.
Though he had moved further from his last known position, luck was on our side. We found him in an accessible area—an unusual but welcome surprise in kiwi tracking! Along the way, we met a local landowner who was fascinated by the tracking process. He was even more excited to learn that a wild kiwi was thriving just minutes from his doorstep!
A Healthy and Thriving Kiwi
Upon capture, we were thrilled to see that the kiwi—now named Maunga—was in excellent health. He remained calm and relaxed as we assessed him, confirming that he had adapted well to his new surroundings. His transmitter band was still secure, but we replaced it to ensure continued tracking of his movements. Thanks to the support of local landowners, we also plan to install kiwi signs in the area to raise awareness and help protect him.
A Milestone for The Forest Bridge
Maunga was last seen on camera on 29th December 2024, and while earlier sightings in August and September remain unconfirmed, his journey marks a major milestone. He is the first documented kiwi to safely cross The Forest Bridge corridor, a significant achievement for conservation efforts in the region.
This success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of landowners, volunteers, Iwi and the teams at Kaipara Kiwi, Tamahunga Trappers, and The Forest Bridge Trust. Your efforts are creating a safer landscape where kiwi can move freely and establish new territories.
How You Can Help
- 📍 Kiwi Aversion Training: If you’re a landowner in Kaipara Flats with dogs, we strongly recommend attending a Kiwi Aversion Training session to help keep Maunga and other kiwi safe. Visit our website for details on upcoming March training sessions.
- 📍 Report Kiwi Sightings: Keep an eye out for kiwi signs and let us know if you spot one!
A huge thank you to Save the Kiwi NZ for their funding support. Together, we’re making a difference for Aotearoa’s precious taonga species! 💚