New Zealand’s native birdlife is not only a big driver of travel to various forests and national parks in the country, but endemic birds are of vital importance to organisations like the Department of Conservation (DOC) and companies with conservation at their core. Saving these birds so future generations can marvel at their existence is the Kiwi way. New Zealand’s smallest parrot, kākāriki karaka are small green parakeet’s with long tails and a beautiful orange and yellow crown. Now the rarest parakeet and forest bird in New Zealand, the need to focus on their status is crucial.
RealNZ are known for their conservation projects that have been embedded in their business since its inception in 1954. The team at RealNZ are actively working with DOC to assist in the conservation of the kākāriki karaka. Plans for pest-free habitats and establishing a new colony of the kākāriki karaka are in play to ensure these wonderful birds survive and in time, thrive.
1. Kākāriki Karaka
Among the beech forests in alpine valleys throughout the most stunning parts of the South Island are rare, spectacular parakeets that can only be found in New Zealand. The kākāriki karaka / orange-fronted parakeet is a beautiful species endemic to New Zealand. A species that was once found across the country is now facing extinction. The kākāriki karaka is the country’s smallest parrot, and is considered critically endangered. With a population of just 350, efforts to increase the number of predator-free habitats and to establish a new population of these species is crucial.
2. Pest-free Pukenui / Anchor Island
Kākāriki karaka that once fed on insects, nuts and berries and prospered in forests across New Zealand are now falling victim to introduced predators such as stoats, rats and possums. Creating a predator-free environment for these birds to live in is a part of RealNZ’s initiative, alongside DOC and Ngāi Tahu. In comes Pukenui / Anchor Island in Fiordland, a familiar destination for RealNZ. This pest-free island in the depths of Fiordland is where RealNZ take groups of people to, amoung other incredible locations through the fiords. Anchor Island is in Dusky Sound, south of the popular fiord Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. RealNZ has been assisting DOC in maintaining the pest-free status of Anchor Island, making the island a top contender for the location to relocate a population of kākāriki karaka to. In 2022, RealNZ funded the replacement of all stoat traps on the island.
3. The relocation
In 2023 and 2024, RealNZ will play an important role in the relocation of kākāriki karaka to Anchor Island in Fiordland. Bespoke aviaries will be built on the island for these striking birds to nest, all of which will be funded by RealNZ. Next, a population of kākāriki karaka will be carefully relocated from Christchurch to Fiordland, to establish a new colony. These kākāriki karaka have been raised in captivity in the Issac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and the Orana Wildlife Park in Ōtautahi / Christchurch, and are the beginning of what will hopefully be a population of orange-fronted parakeets thriving on pest-free islands. Relocations of this kind have been successfully pulled off in New Zealand in the past, and research and close monitoring will help to ensure this is successful once again.
4. Conservation week
The annual Conservation Week (14-20 August 2023) is seen as an opportunity to educate people about kākāriki karaka and the relocation project. During this week the RealNZ key conservation projects are highlighted, showcasing what’s been done to restore and protect the places that RealNZ journey to. The Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation is an example of how deep-rooted conservation is for RealNZ. This foundation and the other projects give people a chance to support, donate and give back when embarking on a RealNZ experience.
5. Raising funds
The relocation of kākāriki karaka will be costly, therefore several fundraising efforts are ongoing. Donations are being accepted via the RealNZ website, with one lucky person who has donated receiving two seats on the all important relocation voyage. Each donation through the website will count as an entry to win front-row seats to this momentous occasion at Anchor Island in Dusky Sound.
The RealNZ Conservation Ball, held in September in Queenstown, will include further fundraising efforts. The relocation of these kākāriki karaka is a great step in the ongoing efforts to see these parakeets return to the wild and thrive on mainland New Zealand.
Donate to the cause with RealNZ here.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
