Releasing Kiwi, Restoring Mauri: Strengthening Whanaungatanga through Kaitiakitanga
Photos: Ngā Manu Pīkoko from Waitoriki meeting kiwi with Sian Potier from Taranaki Kiwi Trust. (Photo credit: Kyla Gonzalez).
Te Ara Taiao connects tamariki with manu, whenua, moana, rākau, and wai, blending mātauranga Māori and restoration efforts to uplift the mauri of Taranaki maunga. At the heart of this mahi is the same kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga shown by Kiwi in an old Māori pūrākau.
Long ago, Kiwi soared through the canopy of the ngāhere with vibrant, beautiful wings. But when the tamariki of Tānemāhuta, atua of the trees, were in danger, kiwi made the selfless choice to sacrifice their wings to protect them.
Tānehokahoka, atua of the birds, called upon all his manu tamariki for help. Insects were devouring the rākau and making them sick. Would one of the manu give up their life in the treetops, come down to the forest floor and stop the insects from destroying the rākau? While others hesitated, Kiwi bravely stepped forward, giving up the light of day and their magnificent wings in exchange for strong legs and a life in the darkness below.
In recognition of their māia, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga, Kiwi became one of Aotearoa’s taonga manu.
Despite identifying as ‘kiwis’, encounters with these nocturnal manu are rare. The Taranaki Mounga Project, an ambitious restoration initiative, is striving to change this. One of the project’s goals is to reintroduce vulnerable and threatened species to Taranaki Maunga, including Kiwi. Te Ara Taiao is privileged to have a working relationship with TMP, allowing tamariki to connect with Kiwi.
“Of the kiwi that have been monitored, 85% have survived, with many quickly establishing territories and pairing up with breeding partners.”
Since 2021, Te Ara Taiao has been involved in translocating and releasing 250 Kiwi in Te Papakura o Taranaki, and the results have been inspiring. Of the kiwi that have been monitored, 85% have survived, with many quickly establishing territories and pairing up with breeding partners. Between February and April this year, Te Papakura o Taranaki will welcome another group of Kiwi to the rohe.
The Taranaki Kiwi Trust plays a crucial role in this mahi. Their expertise and dedication to monitoring, advocacy, and predator control have been instrumental in ensuring the survival and growth of Kiwi numbers in Taranaki, reinforcing the importance of kotahitanga between the various organisations dedicated to tautoko Kiwi.
The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in South Waikato are also key contributors to the project. Kiwi have been translocated from both areas, expanding the genetic diversity of the Kiwi population in Taranaki and fostering whanaungatanga between the regions.
Photo: Ngā Manu Pīkoko from Devon Intermediate meeting the kiwi with Sian Potier from Taranaki Kiwi Trust. (Photo credit: Kyla Gonzalez)
For Ngā Manu Pīkoko, Te Ara Taiao student leaders, attending a kiwi release is the highlight of the year. Their astounded expressions of pure joy upon witnessing Kiwi up close are indescribable. The experience of connecting with these manu in person helps to build a deep sense of kaitiakitanga, inspiring and motivating further efforts in Kiwi conservation.
Throughout the year Ngā Manu Pīkoko have further opportunities to uplift the mauri of Kiwi. Whether through learning how to monitor Kiwi using telemetry gear, trapping predators or advocating for Kiwi, by making ‘no dogs’ signs for Te Papakura o Taranaki, Ngā Manu Pīkoko are eager to show their rangatiratanga and manaakitanga in supporting these taonga manu.
Photo: Ngā Manu Pīkoko from Rāhotu learning to use telemetry gear to monitor Kiwi. (Photo credit: Jane Bowden-Dobson).
Bringing kiwi back to Taranaki Maunga is not just about numbers - it’s about reconnecting people with the whenua and instilling a sense of kaitiakitanga and responsibility for our taiao. Each Kiwi release contributes to uplifting the mauri of the ecosystem and ensuring that future generations will hear the calls of Kiwi echoing through Taranaki Maunga.
Author: Hineana Todd
