Event celebrates Kiwi Coast workers
Two kiwi, named Geoff and Charlie, stole the show at a gathering held to thank those involved in the Kiwi Coast initiative and celebrate increasing kiwi numbers.
Kiwi Coast coordinator for the NZ Landcare Trust Ngaire Tyson says the event was held at Fonterra’s Jordan Valley Farm at Hikurangi on March 5.
‘‘Kiwi was we know only come out at night. Most of the people involved in the Kiwi Coast don’t get to see the special birds that they’re working hard to protect. This event game them a chance to see kiwi up close and to experience the magic of this taonga.’’
Geoff was named after Geoff Wightman who founded the Waimate North Landcare Trust almost 20 years ago to help their kiwi, native wildlife and forests thrive over around 9000ha in the mid north.
Chairman of the Waimate North Landcare Trust Daryl Way says naming and meeting the kiwi was a very special moment.
‘‘Geoff Wightman passed away a year ago this month. The trust has named this kiwi Geoff to honour him and his wife Pat in recognition of their many years of conservation work.’’
Geoff and Charlie were released into a predator controlled area created by the Tanekaha Community Pest Control Group, led by Edwin Smith. The community controls stoats and other predators that kill kiwi over 800 hectares of farmland, native bush and pine forest.
There are 83 entities from community led groups, to schools, farmers, iwi and hapu, organis- ations and forestry companies involved in the Kiwi Coast initiative.
They are working together and linking pest controlled areas so kiwi in Northland will be safe to roam freely.
The Kiwi Coast covers over 200km, from Mangawhai to the Aupouri Peninsula and continues to grow as more projects and communities get involved. Collectively pest control covers 120,293ha.
Data collated by Kiwi Coast from those involved showed around $1.75 million worth of resources went into projects last year. Over a third of this is accounted for by unpaid voluntary work.
Department of Conservation Northern North Island operators director Sue Reed-Thomas says the initiative is a great example of the conservation gains that can be made by working together.