Preserving Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future
Awanui the Kiwi
Awanui is our young kiwi Dad.
Awanui being released by Tutukaka Landcare, April 11, 2021. Photo: Malcolm Pullman
Awanui grew up on the Matakohe-Limestone Island kiwi creche in Whangarei Harbour. He was fitted with a tiny radio transmitter and released by Tutukaka Landcare into their 10,000ha pest controlled area in 2021.
After his release he explored the Tutukaka Coast, staying close to another kiwi Tashi, before settling into Bluewater Height.
Despite being a fairly young kiwi, he soon found a mate and in 2022, after a couple of failed attempts, successfully hatched his first chick.
Awanui shows every sign of being a great nester, but as a young dad, he’s still got a bit of learning to do!
When will Awanui nest again? Will we ever meet his mystery mate? Will we catch a glimpse of chicks again, or have they wandered far and wide?
Awanui’s first chick, “CC”. Photo: Malcolm Pullman