For the first time in a century and a half, the iconic kiwi bird now thrives again in the hills around Wellington, New Zealand. This successful return is the result of the Capital Kiwi Project, a collaborative effort focused on predator control, community engagement, and honoring Māori traditions.
- Over 250 kiwi translocated back to Wellington hills
- More than 5,300 traps removed stoats threatening kiwi chicks
- Strong iwi and community partnerships underpin the project
What happened
The Capital Kiwi Project has successfully reintroduced kiwi birds to the Wellington hills after 150 years of absence. This significant achievement involved relocating more than 250 kiwi, referred to as manu in Māori, back into their ancestral home. A major focus was the removal of stoats—predators that target kiwi chicks before they reach a defensible weight of about one kilogram. To tackle this, the project deployed over 5,300 traps across approximately 24,000 hectares, significantly reducing predation risk.
Beyond predator control, the project emphasized building strong relationships among iwi (Māori tribes), local communities, and landowners. These relationships were vital for the long-term success of kiwi conservation, involving cultural processes such as gifting the birds through a tono and welcoming ceremonies called pōwhiri. The collaboration allowed for shared responsibility and care for the kiwi population now thriving in Wellington’s hills.
Why it feels good
The return of kiwi represents an important victory not only for conservation but for cultural heritage and community pride. For iwi and Māori, the project reaffirms their connection to the land (whenua) and the native wildlife they regard as taonga, or treasures. The process of gifting and formally welcoming kiwi into new homes respects these cultural ties, making the project a meaningful partnership rather than a typical conservation endeavor.
Community members who had never seen kiwi in person have become engaged caregivers, deepening their local connection to nature. The project embodies a relational approach that appreciates the spiritual and cultural importance of kiwi, protecting them from becoming 'museum species' and ensuring they remain living parts of the environment. This blend of science, culture, and community creates lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.
What to enjoy or watch next
With over 300 kiwi now estimated to be living in the Wellington hills—including newly hatched chicks that reached fighting weight—ongoing community effort will be key to maintaining their population. The Capital Kiwi Project also serves as a model for other ecological restoration initiatives, inspiring future efforts to bring back additional taonga species to native habitats.
Listeners interested in the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation and the practical steps of species reintroduction can explore the Mongabay Newscast episode featuring project leads Paul Ward and Rāwiri Walsh. Their insights reveal how incorporating Māori worldviews with modern conservation techniques can protect treasured species while strengthening community and cultural bonds.