Three South Island kākā fledglings have arrived at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, marking the start of a major breeding push to restore the species across the Top of the South.
Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is really spreading its wings in helping native species populations thrive, with more arrivals landing last week.
These ones are cheeky with olive‑brown plumage, red-orange underwing and crimson belly.
Three kākā fledglings from Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary — each weighing roughly the same as a block of butter — were welcomed to the sanctuary on 10 March.
The South Island kākā is currently classified as nationally vulnerable, and it’s hoped the new arrivals will bolster numbers through a Department of Conservation breeding programme.
Around 150 people attended the gifting of the species to the rohe (area), led by a tuku taonga ceremony by local iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, whose members also gave speeches as did Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.
Much like these new native birds, sanctuary chief executive Chris McCormack also flocked to Nelson from Dunedin.
He says the sanctuary’s beech forest and pest‑free status provide “perfect habitat for kākā”.
Chris added that staff and volunteers were “over the moon” with their arrival after preparations took flight five years ago with the construction of a dedicated release aviary, where the fledglings are currently housed.
“They had a long trip from Dunedin to Wellington, before arriving at Nelson Airport - we've had some great activity with the kākā getting a sense of their new environment,” he says.
It’s unclear when they’ll be fully released into the sanctuary.
“Hard to say at this stage, but we would expect around four to six weeks — it just depends on their development,” Chris says.
“Kākā were widespread around the region before the introduction of pests and predators… so we want to return them to what they used to be. We hope to grow a population of Top of the South kākā genetics.”
Two of the fledglings hatched late last year from eggs taken from Nelson Lakes National Park.
Chris says the sanctuary’s experience with translocations bodes well.
More than 120 critically endangered kākāriki karaka (orange‑fronted parakeet) were moved there between 2021 and 2023, and an estimated 300 to 400 now thrive inside the protected area.
“That’s what we would expect for kākā as well,” he says.
The new arrivals also follow last year’s translocation of kiwi pukupuku, and the successful establishment of tuatara in 2024.
Additional fledglings are expected to arrive in May, also from Dunedin Botanic Garden Aviary, and if the breeding programme is sound, as many as 40 kākā could eventually be on their way.
“We’re working closely with Natureland who have been providing support for caring for the kākā while in their temporary aviary.”
Chris also acknowledged the sanctuary’s many supporters who made the arrival possible, including Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Natureland Wildlife Trust and the Department of Conservation.
A screening has been set up near the aviary for visitors, and a live camera feed is available on the sanctuary’s website for public viewing.
