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Takahē are roaming at the base of Onetahua Farewell Spit in Golden Bay after eight birds were translocated to the site Last week.
The release follows the completion of a predator-proof fence across the base of the spit, supported by ongoing predator control work led by Manawhenua ki Mohua, Pest Free Onetahua, HealthPost Nature Trust and the local community.
New sanctuary site
Department of Conservation Golden Bay operations manager Ross Trotter says the arrival of takahē is a significant milestone for the area.
“Onetahua is an internationally recognised ecosystem with incredible biodiversity values, and it’s great to see the Nationally Vulnerable takahē added to the mix.
“It’s a popular visitor site with some fantastic walks and visitors having the chance to see takahē while naturing here will really add to that experience.”
Ross says the achievement reflects years of work by local organisations and volunteers.
“It’s through the work of many we’ve gotten to this stage, and it shows the difference we can make for nature when we all pitch in.”
Visitors are being asked to give the birds plenty of space, particularly during the breeding season and when chicks are present.
“This is a trial sanctuary site for takahē, and we’ll be closely monitoring the birds to make sure they are settling in well.”
Cultural significance
Manawhenua ki Mohua represents Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua.
Chair Margie Little says the organisation has provided cultural leadership and kaitiakitanga throughout the project.
“This new location will also allow people to view this once-thought-to-be-extinct taonga species.
“Our hopes are that the takahē will flourish in their new home and ensure their survival for future generations in Mohua.”
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō also supported the translocation.
Lessons from Gouland Downs
Department of Conservation takahē recovery programme sanctuary sites lead Phil Marsh says the birds were moved from Gouland Downs in Kahurangi National Park.
DOC is winding down the Gouland Downs trial site after gaining valuable insights that have helped shape the Takahē Recovery Programme.
“It was bittersweet to move these birds. Gouland Downs was the first wild trial site outside of Fiordland for takahē, which was a major milestone for the species’ recovery,” Phil says.
First established in 2018, the site was selected for its low predator numbers, trapping network, suitable habitat and accessibility for monitoring.
However, the birds did not perform as strongly as expected, with lower adult survival rates, limited breeding success and poorer food availability than initially anticipated.
Building on success
Phil says the lessons learned have strengthened decision-making around future release sites.
“Choosing new wild sites is a complex balance of food and habitat availability, predator numbers, climate, terrain and the practical logistics of moving and monitoring the birds, and we now understand these things in more detail.
“These lessons gave us confidence to set up new trial sites in the Greenstone and Rees valleys, where it looks like the birds are doing well.
“We’re excited to build on this knowledge at this new sanctuary site in Onetahua.”
DOC’s Takahē Recovery Programme, supported by Fulton Hogan and the New Zealand Nature Fund, aims to establish multiple self-sustaining wild populations of the threatened native bird.
The programme works closely with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and includes captive breeding, research, monitoring, wild site establishment and species advocacy.
