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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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New kiwi thrills long-time Mangawhai supporterThe Brynderwyns adult kiwi population recently increased to 15 with the arrival of Goldie at Marunui Conservation on Saturday 1 February. It turned out to be a big day for Goldie, and Mangawhai resident Elva Reid.
Goldie, a female Northland brown kiwi raised on Limestone Island, was offered to Marunui at short notice by DOC. Her day started with a blessing at Onerahi followed by a 2-hour visit to Owhiwa where she was introduced to a gathering of some 80 people by Todd Hamilton, Project Manager of the Whangarei Heads Landcare Forum. The purpose was to encourage the local community to learn about kiwi and how to help them survive and was part of the Kiwi Coast Initiative to connect community conservation projects and boost kiwi populations. Goldie was then brought south to Marunui accompanied by Limestone Island ranger Bernie Buhler, and DOC ranger Rolf Fuchs. Meanwhile at Marunui a small group was gathering for Goldie’s arrival. Among them was Elva Reid. Now aged 88, Elva had wanted to come to the kiwi release at Marunui last year but had been unwell that day. One of Marunui’s trapping volunteers, Wendy Averill, mentioned this and was invited to bring Elva to see Goldie. What made the occasion really special was the fact that Elva has been contributing to the welfare of kiwi for more than a decade through BNZ Save the Kiwi schemes but has never seen a live kiwi. It was a hot afternoon and Goldie was carefully removed from her crate in the shade and placed in Elva’s arms. Catherine Hawley of Marunui said it was quite an emotional moment for everyone there. Elva was thrilled. “I’m so lucky to have this opportunity to see and hold a kiwi. It’s marvellous to be here in this beautiful place and see the wonderful progress you’ve made looking after the bush and now kiwi.” Her smile said it all. “It’s a pleasure to give something in return,” said Catherine Hawley. “We’re so grateful to people like Elva for supporting kiwi and to our volunteers who help with predator trapping and other conservation tasks.” A release site for Goldie was chosen in an area where a lone male, Teddy, has been for a short while since being retrieved some distance from Marunui’s northern boundary. She was set free from her burrow box after dark. The good news is that the two birds seem to be staying close together. Goldie is said to have good breeding genes so the omens are promising and Teddy’s wandering days may be over. ■ Those interested in volunteering at Marunui can email marunui.conservation@gmail.com STAR STRUCK: Mangawhai’s Elva Reid, a long-time contributor to the kiwi cause, enjoys the rare opportunity to hold Goldie. |
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