The project began in August 2022 with a mission to restore the endangered Kauri, podocarp, and broadleaved forest ecosystems in and around the Goldie Bush and Motutara Settlement Scenic Reserves. Over the past year, we’ve also uncovered a promising opportunity: the potential to reintroduce kiwi to the area.

So far, we’ve deployed more than 600 traps across the reserve and on surrounding private properties, working with over 30 landowners to create a protective halo around the forest. Thousands of invasive predators have been removed, and we’re continually increasing the reach and density of our predator control efforts.

We’re also collaborating with conservation partners in Te Henga to establish a connected “wildlink” to the south — creating a larger, safer landscape for native wildlife to return and thrive.

The project spans approximately 2,000 hectares, bounded by Constable, Taiapa, Muriwai Valley, Valley, Annandale, and Wairere Roads. The area includes significant stands of Kauri, podocarp, broadleaved forest, as well as mānuka, kānuka, and open pasture. It forms an important ecological corridor, linking with protected ecosystems in Te Henga to the south.

Kiwi face their greatest threats from stoats, ferrets, and dogs, with secondary risks from other predators like cats, rats, and pigs, as well as vehicle strikes. Without control, only 5% of chicks survive to adulthood. Before any translocation, it’s essential that we have pest threats under control.

To safely return kiwi to the area, we must address the significant threat dogs pose at all life stages. The pungent, musky smell of kiwi makes them especially attractive to dogs, even well-behaved pets. A comprehensive Dog Control Plan is essential to meet site suitability requirements for translocation. This includes measures like Kiwi Avoidance Training (KAT), educational workshops for dog owners, and practical steps to reduce the risk of dog encounters in kiwi habitat.