31 January 2006

The partnership between Ngai Tahu and the Department of Conservation will be highlighted by the presence of two special stars at this year's Waitangi Day celebrations.

As a way of acknowledging the relationship between the Crown and Tangata Whenua, the Te Rau Aroha Marae at Bluff is hosting a kakapo and takahe as part of the commemorative festivities on February 6.

Awarua Runaka representative Gail Thompson said bringing the birds to the marae and opening it up to the public was a wonderful opportunity to show people what could be achieved by working together.

Department of Conservation and Ngai Tahu have very similar objectives in conservation management - protecting and enhancing what is special about Te Waipounamu/South Island for future generations.

She said while traditions on the marae should be observed, people should not feel intimidated and were encouraged to attend the commemorative celebrations and view these two rare birds.

The kakapo on display will be Kumi, one of the four chicks hatched last season while Robin, a “retired” breeding takahe from Maud Island/Te Hoiere in Marlborough Sounds will come from the Wildlife Park adjacent to DOC in Te Anau.

DOC kakapo recovery team leader Paul Jansen said few people get to see a kakapo and this was a fantastic opportunity to view one up close.

He said while Kumi had been hand raised it would still be in everyone's interest to approach the bird in much the same way as other wildlife it approached, carefully and quietly.

Photographs would be allowed, but department staff would closely monitor that situation as to not cause any undue stress to the bird.

The kakapo would be displayed in a large glass enclosure surrounded by natural vegetation.

Mr Jansen said while Kumi would be settled into his pen at about 6pm, the best viewing opportunities probably would happen until it started getting dark.

Three staff from the Kakapo Recovery Programme will be on hand to answer questions any one has about the birds.

While Kumi takes centre stage at night, Robin will be the day's highlight.

However, due to the travelling distance required, the takahe will only be available for a maximum of three hours viewing.

“To get a good chance to see the takahe, people will have to keep noise to a minimum with no frantic shout or waving which could scare the bird and have it retreat to the back of its enclosure and out of sight,” DOC Takahe ranger Ross Curtis said.

The day's proceedings start at 10am with a powhiri followed by a special screening of Ata Whenua “Shadowland” at the Bluff Town Hall.

Ends

For more information please contact Nyia Strachan at the Department of Conservation, Tel: +64 3 214 7554;

Email:  nstrachan@doc.govt.nz

Get more information on kakapo conservation and Maud Island.