The Tutukaka Land Care (TLC) was established in 2003 with the aim of protecting and enhancing the residual population of North Island Brown Kiwi found in the coastal forest stretching from Ngunguru to Sandy Bay.
We have done this by installing and maintaining a series of trap lines to reduce or eliminate their key predators—stoats and feral cats—and by educating the community about responsible pet ownership.
Tutukaka Land Care also incorporates Sandy Bay Kiwi (see the map below) and is part of the Kiwi Coast Project. We work closely with the Ngunguru Sandspit Protection Society and Ngunguru School’s Earth Ed Programme.
Over the last decade we have seen their population decline, halt and then increase significantly to the point where we believe we have at least 500 birds present in the area, possibly many more.
Simultaneously we have reintroduced the Native Brown Teal….. Pateke…. the fourth most endangered duck in the world. 186 captive bred birds have been released over the last six years, and are now successfully breeding right round the district.
Funding in place for the next five years will enable us to expand the trapped area from the present 3500ha to approximately 10,000ha.
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