Successful Kiwi Listening Evening at Mataia

‘Kiwi Listening Evening at @Mataia Homestead & Walks

After a few false starts, finally the weather cooperated and we ended up with an amazingly clear night for the kiwi listening evening on Sunday 18th June. It was a great turn out with people travelling to join the evening from as far as Pakiri, right down to Puhoi.

Before setting off Kevin passed around a replica kiwi egg and everyone was surprised by its size and weight! Keen to learn more we split up into three small groups and headed out to predesignated locations. Hush fell and everyone eagerly started listening from 6pm.

The groups weren’t disappointed. “It was incredible to hear the kiwi calls and responses, with most calls being heard over the first hour”. explained Claire from our Community Liaison Team. “There was such peace and stillness sitting in the evening bush, we also heard moreporks, interspersed with kiwi and the night sky glimmered with stars. Our group heard 27 calls total”!

As the evening came to a end and the groups made their way back to the carpark, a female kiwi was discovered wandering by the cars. “That certainly hastened our pace, said Claire “It was an absolutely delight to see one of the magnificent birds we are doing our best to protect.”

Registered kiwi handler Colin picked her up to check for a transmitter and then set her back down away from the cars so that she could carry on with her nightly forging undisturbed.

Thanks to Gill and Kevin for arranging a wonderful evening.