The Haast Kiwi Sanctuary, part of Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery is located on the seaward toe of the Haast Range, approximately 15 km south of the Haast township. The sanctuary rises from sea level to 1300 m, with the upper alpine area frequently covered in snow. Higher reaches of the sanctuary are dissected by major earthquake faults, hazardous barriers to both birds and Department of Conservation staff.

The tokoeka population has been declining because of stoats, which eat young chicks. Little research into the tokoeka has been carried out, consequently little is known about its reproductive behaviour. The Department of Conservation is carrying out intensive stoat control inside the sanctuary, but is monitoring results closely to make sure this work ensures the survival of this species.

An Operation Nest Egg programme may be introduced at the sanctuary to boost the productivity of tokoeka in the future.

Monitoring of kiwi chick survival in the 2001/02 breeding season was inconclusive because of the low numbers of birds monitored. Twenty adult pairs were monitored but only six chicks were produced, two of which have survived to 1 kg (a third chick’s transmitter failed).

Increasing the number of adult birds fitted with transmitters is a slow process as catching tokoeka on the rugged Haast Range is difficult.