Kiwi Quest

The iconic national bird of New Zealand is a little cutie and none more so that Hupai, the 1000th chick to be hatched as part of the Bank of New Zealand initiative Operation Nest Egg launched in 1994 in an effort to counter disturbing statistics that 90% of all wild-born kiwi chicks were dying before they reached six months. The plan was simple and based on research that a chick's chance of survival increased considerably once they weighed about 1kg.

A pilot scheme was tried, whereby wild eggs and chicks were relocated to a safe haven during their most vulnerable period before returning them to the wild. The scheme worked and the project became BNZ Operation Nest Egg. Each summer during the breeding season, eggs and chicks are collected and looked after 'in captive-rearing facilities and predator-free creches. When the juveniles have reached about 1.2 kilograms and are able to better fend for themselves, they are released back to their wild home'.

This year, Hupai's appearance brought the grand total of successfully hatched chicks to 1000! The Save The Kiwi website charts the progress of this oblivious star and offers a wealth of information about the project and kiwis.

Such is the prominence of the kiwi in New Zealand that they can be found everywhere from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Queenstown, around hotels, in airports and shops. It is omnipresent in one form or another. The real-life little fellow is much harder to find - though worth the quest, he truly is!

My only encounter with a kiwi was curiously enough in the National Aquarium in Napier. Though unlike another well-known flightless bird found in New Zealand, the penguin, kiwis are not known for their aquatic skills. Stewart Island is recognised as being the best place to spot kiwis in the wild. But since these curious little creatures are nocturnal as well as superbly camouflaged, patience and a good guide are key ingredients.

“If you are lucky enough to come across a kiwi, savour the privilege.  Stay still and watch.  Don't approach within 5 metres.  please do not disturb them in any way”.
stewartisland.co.nz

Happy spotting!

Comments

[Greg]

Hi,
Very interesting post,thank you. But did you know that on the Stewart Island Kiwis are less nocturnal than on the "mainland" ? It thought to be because that they have less dangers there so they feel more confident. One of the best places to go Kiwi-Spotting on the Stewart Island is on the track between Mason Bay Hut and Fresh water hut. So if you listen to this advice and actually spot a kiwi there, I would really like to know about it.

[Greg]

Hi,
Very interesting post,thank you. But did you know that on the Stewart Island Kiwis are less nocturnal than on the "mainland" ? It thought to be because that they have less dangers there so they feel more confident. One of the best places to go Kiwi-Spotting on the Stewart Island is on the track between Mason Bay Hut and Fresh water hut. So if you listen to this advice and actually spot a kiwi there, I would really like to know about it.

[Kloggers]

What a very worthwhile scheme. I usually don't like the idea of humans interferring with wild creatures but from your post this seems to be a way of enhancing the species without disturbing the parent birds. Do they leave one egg for the parents to hatch though?

[bape]

Thank you for some very inciteful information. I find it amazing that they are a totally flightless bird. Hopefully more work can be done to help conserve this fine bird and increase population numbers.