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The National Kiwi Hatchery officially celebrated the opening of its brand new state-of-the-art facility in Rotorua late this week, marking a major milestone event for kiwi kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and world-class conservation.
Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s National Kiwi Hatchery stands as a world leading conservation facility dedicated to the preservation and growth of New Zealand’s national icon. As well as the purpose built egg and chick rearing facilities, the new venue features an extensive range of
interactive exhibits, dedicated retail space and the largest kiwi crèche facility in New Zealand,
giving manuhiri (guests) the chance to connect with kiwi.
The official opening ceremony signifies a new chapter in the organisation’s mission, one that
provides Hatchery personnel with increased capacity to care for more kiwi than ever before.
Yesterday afternoon, official opening proceedings began with a mihi whakatau (welcome
ceremony) led by local mana whenua.
Guests were then invited to tour the Hatchery grounds where they could explore the new
facility and speak with kaimahi (staff) about the current kiwi residents.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Deputy Kaiwhakahaere Tania Wati is pleased the new facility will
contribute significantly to the preservation of New Zealand’s national icon.
“The new hatchery supports Ngāi Tahu in achieving its long term goal of increasing the
number of kiwi released annually, and we’re delighted to know there will be more kiwi
released into the wild as a direct result of this expansion,” says Wati.
National Kiwi Hatchery Manager, Emma Bean expressed her excitement about the new facility, and emphasised the relocation is not just a change in location.
“The new facility is a significant step forward in our mission to protect and nurture kiwi
populations for decades to come,” she said.
“The hatchery’s role is not only to help foster a meaningful relationship between kiwi and
visitors, it’s also to educate people on their role in conversation now and into the future. This
new location, larger facility and technological advancements are going to allow us to do just
that.”
The Hatchery recently celebrated the arrival of their milestone 2500th kiwi chick. The female
chick named Ātārangi (Morning Sky) hatched in early February and represents the long line of
successful kiwi rearing the facility has managed over its sixteen years of operation and
followed last year’s record high breeding season with more than 153 kiwi chicks hatched.
