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Attempting to wriggle from its handler’s grasp, a brown kiwi has eagerly returned home to the wild near the Parapara Road Banana Bridge, following its recovery from being hit by a car.
The bird was struck between Whanganui and Raetihi on November 20 last year.
The driver reported the incident to the Department of Conservation and transported the injured bird to Wildbase Hospital, Tāwharau Ora Massey University where the young male was found to have respiratory issues and a fractured pelvis.
DOC biodiversity ranger Kelly Brider says the bird was alert and feisty throughout his recovery.
“We think that liveliness helped him to power through his rehabilitation, he was well and truly ready to go home!
“We want to acknowledge the driver for doing the right thing, even going above and beyond to transport the kiwi to safety herself.
“We are also grateful for the continued work of Wildbase Hospital staff caring for and rehabilitating our special species.”
The kiwi, gifted the name ‘Tairei’ by members of hapū Whaikiterangi, was released on January 10 away from the road in the area he was found, with multiple generations of whānau present.
Kuia Karina Williams says the name is linked to the land.
“We gifted him the whānau name Tairei, which goes back to our great, great grandfather, I know our tūpuna will watch over him.”
Kelly says the bird was found near a wetland and retired farmland – bushy parts of Ātihau Whanganui Incorporation land.
“They have predator control in some areas and are increasing their efforts. It all works toward creating a safe space for kiwi to thrive.”
Brown kiwi are listed as ‘Not Threatened – Conservation Dependent’, with numbers in Whanganui National Park and surrounding areas projected to grow by 1000 in the next few years.
“This success is thanks to landscape-scale predator control and community trapping programmes, along with increasing efforts by private landowners,” says Kelly.
“Tairei is a reminder that we are lucky to share this part of Aotearoa with these special birds and to take care and watch out for kiwi when driving.”
Anyone coming across an injured or killed kiwi should report it to: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
