Office of the Mayor
Media release
14 December 2010
Sanctuary for Auckland native to increase
The long term survival prospects of Auckland’s only mainland kokako population is being boosted by an Auckland Council
project in the Hunua Ranges.
The project is part of the Mayor’s commitment to roll out 100 projects in the first hundred days of the Auckland
Council.
The council is establishing a new area under intensive mammalian pest management to expand the current kokako safe zone
by 100 hectares.
The kokako is one of New Zealand’s endangered native birds, with a total population of about 400 pairs. About 23 pairs
live in the Kokako Management Area (KMA) in the Hunua Regional Park. The area was established by the former Auckland
Regional Council and Department of Conservation.
“These beautiful birds are part of Auckland’s unique natural heritage and magnificent environment. We must protect and
improve it,” says Len Brown.
A pair of birds has nested outside the 1200-hectare KMA. The male of the pair is one of the last original Hunua
population left, and is genetically significant.
“We are increasing the area under pest management to cover the pair’s nesting area and link it to the KMA, increasing
the overall size of the zone. Intensive pest control not only gives these birds the best chance to flourish, it also
promotes the overall health and vitality of the forest,” says Len Brown.
Once the pest management framework is in place, the council hopes to build a network of volunteers to help maintain the
project.
“Working in collaboration with the community is vital to projects like this,” says Len Brown. “Together we can work to
protect our native biodiversity and our glorious regional parks, for Aucklanders and visitors to enjoy long into the
future.”
A call for volunteers will be made later in 2011.
ENDS