MEDIA RELEASE

9 August 2021: A significant boost for the protection of Coromandel Brown Kiwi

An exciting collaboration between 6 Coromandel kiwi care groups, iwi and agencies has resulted in an injection of $1,041,320 to significantly increase the rate of kiwi recovery across the Coromandel Peninsula and expand the area under protection by 10,000 ha over 4 years.

Managed by Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust (PFHCCT), this funding will help build on the outstanding work that has been undertaken for over two decades that has culminated in the Coromandel Peninsula having the greatest rate of kiwi recovery in the country.

One of 11 Jobs for Nature projects funded by Kiwis for kiwi, the ambitious Kiwi at Home | Kiwi I Te Kāinga project aims to improve, connect and expand - at an accelerated rate - the safe spaces where kiwi thrive on the Coromandel Peninsula.

In awarding this grant, Michelle Impey, Executive Director of Kiwis for kiwi said “We’re absolutely delighted to support this innovative project which will see significant gains being made for local kiwi populations through partners working strategically, collaboratively and sustainably across the region.”

The six kiwi care groups involved in this project include: Kapowai Kiwi Care, Mahakirau Forest Estate Society Incorporated, Moehau Environment Group, Project Kiwi Trust, Thames Coast Kiwi Care, and Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group. Collectively they cover over 90% of the land under community conservation group protection in the Coromandel, working with in excess of 200 contractors and volunteers in projects that were founded well over 20 years ago.

Moira Coatsworth, Chair of the Thames Coast Kiwi Care Group said that “working together we will expand and join up areas where Coromandel Brown kiwi can thrive again. It’s very exciting to think that places that have fallen silent on the Peninsula will again ring with kiwi calling.”

Nick Kelly, DOC Operations Manager sees the funding providing an exciting platform to collaborate across iwi, community and partner agencies. “The benefits of working together, sharing learnings and context is of infinite value and will continue to grow capability and capacity across the Peninsula.”

Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust (PFHCCT) Chair, Jude Hooson, said “This is an important win for our region and demonstrates what can be achieved by working together. It recognises the expertise the Coromandel has in protecting our precious kiwi and acknowledges the extraordinary dedication and countless hours of volunteer and contractor effort that has been invested over many years.

The Kiwi at Home | Kiwi i te kāinga project is the first of a number of initiatives PFHCCT will launching this year to provide support to over 60 community conservation groups in our region.”