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Kenny is a feisty little kiwi girl. Born in the South Island, her keepers thought she was a boy. The name stuck – and so did her personality. Kenny is one of a non-breeding pair of kiwi birds safely nestled in the Kiwi House of Te Puia who is dedicated to saving our national icon from extinction.

At Te Puia, however, Kenny’s ego shows no sign of waning. While she rules the roost, Colorado, named after an overseas group who was visiting when he hatched, is quite happy out of the limelight. Their very different personalities give visitors a surprising and unique insight into New Zealand’s endangered flightless bird.

Inside a protected and enclosed natural habitat, six year old Kenny and four year old Colorado live, work and even quarrel like old mates.

“Whenever groups are coming through Kenny always scurries for the front of the window,” says kiwi keeper, Anne Bryers. “It’s a one way glass so she can’t see out but she seems to know when there’s an audience and a chance to show off!”

Colorado is content in the background and loves to climb and jump off rocks.

“He knows when Kenny is in a mood and just stays out of her way. He’s a clever little man.”

The Kiwi House opened as a display centre in 1976 and spent fledging years learning and understanding the needs of New Zealand’s national icon.

In 1986 Te Puia began receiving injured kiwi, often found in traps or on roadsides.

It became a haven and achieved the highest rate of recovery and survival for the injured birds.

Based on this success, a much needed breeding programme was introduced in 1999.

The kiwi, for example, mates for life and will never take another partner. A disproportionately large egg makes laying quite an ordeal for the female while the male, who incubates the egg, will often abandon it.

While breeding pairs are quarantined, Kenny and Colorado are equally important, inspiring public awareness and smiles in the main Kiwi House.

Because they are extremely sensitive, this is the only place where photography is not permitted. Yet by coming to Te Puia, visitors not only contribute to the kiwi’s survival but also give the outrageous Kenny a chance to strut.

Nga Manu O Te Puia, The Birds of Te Puia

Conservation is a priority at Te Puia where other unique and endangered birds are protected in the natural surroundings.

Tui, Parson Bird

The endemic Tui is the nightingale of New Zealand with a song so pure it is often marvelled some notes are inaudible to the human ear. Such is its’ eloquence, it is a great honour for a Maori orator or speaker to be likened to the Tui.

Tirairaka, Fantail

Often seen in pairs, the native Tirairaka is a friendly and happy little soul. It will flit through branches and chatter endlessly. Thus, the Tirairaka is seen by Maori as a messenger, its’ presence signalling that loved ones are thinking of you.

Whio, Blue Duck

The Whio is a highly endangered and ancient inhabitant of our land. Now rare, it is forever a part of Te Puia. Both the Rotowhio Lake and Rotowhio Marae, site of the fortified village, are named after this bird who once dotted our waters.

Ruru, Morepork

For Maori, the Ruru is a guardian with powers to protect, warn and advise. A sad call, heard in the deepest hours of the night, associates this New Zealand Owl to the spirit world. It may represent an ancestor and heralds news both sad and good.