Volunteers needed to help protect kokako

There is an open invitation to for people to be involved with the protection of one of New Zealand’s threatened birds, the kokako.

Last year, the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society gained funding to protect a key remnant population of kokako at Okahukura in Northern Pureora Forest, about one and a half hours drive south east from Te Kuiti.

The project forms part of the group’s aim to return kokako to Mt Pirongia where it runs a successful pest control operation using community volunteers.

Okahukura is offering handson experience in bait station filling, using anti-coagulant baits called Pindone, and training in monitoring of rats and the kokako.

The site is remote and so the society has arranged accommodation, free of charge, at Pureora Forest Park Lodge for the weekends when baiting is scheduled.

The pest control last year was a success, with 80 volunteers and rat populations being to 3.3 per cent from 46.6 per cent in a 1000 hectare area.

In June this year, kokako were surveyed in the area and showed an increase from 22 pairs in 2012, to 45 pairs.

Society chairperson Clare St Pierre is thrilled with the progress.

‘‘The population has now been assessed as genetically robust. It is the first population in the country to achieve that milestone so this project is helping achieve nationally significant outcomes,’’ she said.

Baiting is scheduled for September 17-18 and October 15-16, although volunteers can go along for just one day if they wish.

With help, the population will continue to grow.

A reasonable level of fitness and familiarity with working in a remote bush environment is recommended, but there will be good support from more experienced people.

Please contact Clare St Pierre on 027 324 8195 or 07 871 9133 for more information.