Sandra Coney, Chair of the Auckland Council’s Parks,
Recreation and Heritage Forum, said the return of this
vulnerable species will test the success of Tawharanui
as a pest free open sanctuary.

“We have brought back the kiwi, pateke, robins and
whiteheads,” she says. “And bellbirds and kaka have
returned to the park of their own accord.

“Tieke (saddlebacks) disappeared from the mainland in
the mid to late 1800s, as a result of predators – rats
especially.

“We hope, they can once again have a stronghold on
the mainland.”

The tieke came from Lady Alice, Red Mercury & Mokoia
Islands – 30 birds from each.

Massey University’s Dr Kevin Parker said, “Birds from three
different populations tests the practicality of combining a
variety of genetic backgrounds. The benefits lie in
strengthening genetic fitness and population health.

“We are looking to see if these birds, with different song,
will be willing to pair and breed,” he said.

Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) Chair Steve
Palmer said this release is a great way to mark TOSSI’s
tenth anniversary.

NZ Parks & Conservation Foundation, Birdlife International
Community Conservation Fund and Forest & Bird also
contributed to the project.