We need your help to return the endangered red-crowned kakariki to the Bay of Islands

Project Island Song is embarking on its most exciting and ambitious native species translocation since the ecological restoration programme began in 2009. We are now poised to reintroduce kakariki (red-crowned parakeet) to the pest-free Islands of Ipipiri in the eastern Bay of Islands.

Kakariki became extinct in the Bay of Islands many decades ago due to predation by non-native mammal pests. Once common throughout New Zealand, now this threatened endemic parrot species is restricted mainly to pest-free islands. Like tīeke (North Island saddleback), toutouwai (North Island robin) and other the native species already returned to Ipipiri by Project Island Song, the protected pest-free islands now provides a safe-haven for returning this legacy species to the Bay of Islands.

To create a genetically self-sustaining kakariki population in the Bay of Islands, this reintroduction programme is divided into two stages. In June this year up to 40 kakariki will be caught and translocated from Hauturu (Little Barrier) Island to Moturua in Stage One. The requirement for Stage Two and the translocation of a further 40 birds in either 2018 or 19 will be dependent on the outcomes of Stage One.

Kakariki are mobile birds and you will see them flying between the islands and the mainland. Whilst this poses a risk, it is also offers a huge opportunity. In the eastern Bay of Islands hapu, mainland landowners, community groups, and agencies are working together to maintain pest control and are actively progressing towards a mainland ecological island on which kakariki could thrive.