Kiwi coming back to Brynderwyns

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The Marunui land was bought for conservation purposes in 1987 and   is  protected  by a QEII  National  Trust Open Space Covenant. The re-introduction  of kiwi is the initiative of Maranui Conservation Limited and the share- holding families have worked together  for over 25 years managing  the land  and  implementing a comprehensive animal pest management programme.  Department of Conservation approval for the release of the kiwi at Maranui has been confirmed.

Marunui  Conservation spokesman John Hawley says the re-introduction will provide the Northland  brown  kiwi with another managed breeding   site   that   will help support the future viability of the species. “It is a very significant event for the Brynder- wyns-Bream  Tail  area and  for the  Marunui.  It represents the culmination of years of hard work to restore and protect the habitat to a level that can sustain these precious birds,” he says.  “We are seeking  support and co-operation in conservation practices from the community and from our neighbours to help make this re-intro- duction a real success we can all be proud of.”
 

The kiwi have been raised on Motuora Island in  the  Hauraki   Gulf  as part of the BNZ Operation Nest Egg. Once released the birds will be monitored  by Marunui shareholders and volunteers trained in post-release monitoring techniques. Maranui  Conservation   Limited   has   been in     consultation      with iwi groups over many months  and will be welcoming their participation  in  the  release  day event which will be open to the public. There is on- going consultation with the community and with immediate      neighbours to raise awareness  of the re-introduction  and build support for the project.