Kiwi

Kiwi are one of New Zealand's most iconic native species , but in the wild, chicks face impossible odds with only a 5% survival rate. As a predator-free sanctuary, Rotoroa Island provides a crucial safe haven where vulnerable chicks can grow strong—boosting their survival to 60%.

The Challenge

Kiwi chicks face a perilous first month of life in the wild, with only a 5% survival rate. Predators, especially stoats, threaten vulnerable young birds before they're strong enough to defend themselves. Our Coromandel birds will be leaving Rotoroa mid-2026; we will work towards establishing another kiwi population from a different source

Operation Nest Egg: A Game-Changer

Working with Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation, we're part of Operation Nest Egg (ONE)—a groundbreaking programme that removes eggs from wild nests and incubates them in captivity. Chicks are then raised on predator-free sites like Rotoroa Island until they reach 1.2kg and are strong enough to protect themselves. This simple shift in strategy increases survival rates from 5% to 60%.

Rotoroa's Role

As a predator-free crèche site, Rotoroa Island provides a safe haven for vulnerable Coromandel Brown Kiwi chicks. Tiny chicks weighing just 200g are released here to grow and thrive. Once they're ready, they're returned to Coromandel or moved to kohanga sites—larger predator-free areas with permanent breeding populations—where they eventually join the wild population.

The Big Picture

By reversing kiwi decline and growing each species by 2% annually, this initiative is changing the future of our national bird. It's a survival story powered by partnership—between DOC, Save the Kiwi, Thames Coast Kiwi Care, and sanctuaries like Rotoroa Island.

Our current Coromandel kiwi population will depart Rotoroa Island in mid-2026 as part of their wider recovery journey. This creates space for the next chapter: working towards establishing a new kiwi population on the island, continuing our role as a sanctuary that strengthens species across Aotearoa.

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