Three young kākā were released at Bark Bay in Abel Tasman National Park on Friday November 29 2024, marking a milestone in the restoration of the species to the park.
This was the last release needed to re-establish a sustainable population of these taonga birds into one of their previous strongholds.
The kākā were bred at Dunedin Botanic Gardens then transferred to Natureland Wildlife Trust at Tāhunanui, Nelson, where they were nurtured until they were ready to be released into the Abel Tasman.
One is the offspring of adult male Mahoe, who was collected as a chick from the wild in Nelson Lakes National Park in 2016, along with two others, to be part of a captive population of kākā from the top of the South Island. Bruce Vander Lee, Director of Project Janszoon, said it was gratifying to see the offspring of these birds now returning to the Abel Tasman. “We are grateful to facilities like Dunedin Botanic Gardens and Natureland Wildlife Trust that have been critical to re-establishing a healthy and robust kākā population in the park.”
Alix Rimmer, Team Lead at Natureland Wildlife Trust, said they were pleased to be able to contribute to conservation projects and the return of taonga species in Te Tauihu with partners like Project Janszoon. “Natureland has been involved with the return of kākā to the Abel Tasman since the programme started. While it is always bittersweet when the manu leave, we are excited to know they will become part of the growing population in the park.”
Since the first release of kaka into the Abel Tasman National Park in 2015, 38 birds have been released and at least 31 chicks have fledged from nests in the park.
“Our efforts to re-establish kākā and keep them safe by controlling predators is really paying off,” says Bruce.
Gillian Wratt, Project Janszoon Trust Chair, said that the success of the kākā re-establishment programme is now visible along the coast track, as visitors and locals alike enjoy the sight and sound of the birds. “They are living proof of the positive outcomes of a range of Project Janszoon’s workstreams – predator and weed control, planting and species monitoring. They are a valuable addition to the Park’s species profile and the interest they generate supports park operators and the local business community.”
The release was attended by iwi, Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors, local community groups and supporters.
Read the Nelson Mail story here
