Kiwi Breeding Programme
In October 2002, a special little character was welcomed into the Te Puia fold. Te Iti Pounamu, meaning little treasure, was the first kiwi in New Zealand to be born in captivity without human intervention or artificial incubation. His significant arrival marked a turning point for the breeding programme at Te Puia’s Kiwi Conservation Centre.
Over the next two years, two more chicks were hatched at the centre’s protected and enclosed natural habitat – again without artificial incubation. Both male and yet to be named, they arrived in time for Christmas 2004 on November 5 th and December 2nd.
In keeping with the Maori ethos of respecting nature, it is the centre’s belief that the success of the programme is a result of virtually no human contact.
“For Maori, there is a connection which all creatures have with their environment. Each supports the other. We wanted to give nature a chance to take care of its own,” says kiwi keeper, Anne Bryers.
“We spent many years coming up with ways which we thought would improve their lives. In the breeding programme we realised to turn back to what we know. As kaitiaki, (guardians), our role is to provide a safe, natural place rather than impose our ideals. We nurture gently and from afar.”
She and a second kiwi keeper, Catherine Grant, are the only staff allowed to enter the kiwi breeding habitat and strictly for emergencies. In one instance, an egg was retrieved and sent off site for artificial incubation only after it was abandoned. It survived and a small female kiwi was hatched on 5 March 2004. Her new home named her MACI Dearheart in recognition of Te Puia’s work as a Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
MACI, Te Iti Pounamu and their kin are Te Puia’s contribution to the survival of our national taonga and it is a role our keepers take to heart. They are typically protective of their “babies” even down to codes of dress and conduct.
Kiwis, for example, are extremely sensitive to sound and smell. The keepers do not wear any kind of scented perfume and don quarantine clothing. Hair clips or any other accessory which can fall are removed. Breeding pairs are protected from human contact.
It is at the Kiwi House display centre, snuggled in the natural environs of Te Puia, where visitors have their first rare chance to see New Zealand’s precious and flightless endangered bird.
Inside the centre a non-breeding pair help to educate and often entertain. Outside, other species like the Tui, (Parson Bird), Ruru, (Morepork) and Tirairaka (Fantail) have a unique role.
Conservation of these species is a priority with a bird sanctuary planned to ensure they also have a safe place in our valley. They are all Te Puia’s gift to share and to protect.
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