Egg-static Response to Kiwi Breeding Programme

The country's fragile kiwi population has been given a boost thanks to a record number of chicks reared under BNZ Operation Nest Egg.

The breeding programme released 162 chicks back into the wild this past season, an increase of 15 percent on last year. And, with a new breeding season well under way, the 1000th BNZ Operation Nest Egg chick is expected to hatch soon.

Executive director for Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust, Michelle Impey says the success of the programme is good news for the kiwi population around the country.

'These kiwi have a 65 percent chance of survival. Without BNZ Operation Nest Egg, their chances of reaching adulthood are less than five percent. We're thrilled with this result.

'A kiwi can lay up to 100 eggs in her lifetime, so every kiwi released back to the wild can have a huge impact on the overall population.'

Christchurch's Willowbank Wildlife Reserve had a particularly good season. It raised 16 Rowi this year - the rarest of all kiwi species. The addition brings the population of Rowi to more than 250 in the country.

Auckland Zoo hatched and released 16 kiwi under the programme this season, bringing the total number of kiwi released by them in the wild to 150.

But it's Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs, Rotorua who must take a bow. Since BNZ Operation Nest Egg began in 1994, they have released more than 470 kiwi back into their natural environment.

Using BNZ Operation Nest Egg, wild kiwi eggs are collected to incubate, hatch and rear in captivity. When about four weeks old, chicks are sent to a safe creche - either a predator-free island or mainland sanctuary - until they reach around one kilogram. Only then are they returned to their wild home.

Without conservation management, about 10 percent of kiwi chicks on mainland New Zealand survive their first six months, well short of the 20 percent survival needed for a population to increase.

Despite the success of the breeding programme, our national icon is still on the decline and all kiwi species are classified as endangered.

The main reason for declining numbers of kiwi in the wild is the loss of chicks to predators such as stoats, ferrets, weasels, cats and dogs.

New Zealanders can help stop this decline by:

• Making a donation to BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust at any Bank of New Zealand branch or ATM or online with credit card at www.savethekiwi.org.nz

• Avoid taking dogs into kiwi areas and always keep your dog on a lead in the bush.

• Volunteer your time to a local kiwi protection group or habitat restoration project in your area.

• If you are a Bank of New Zealand customer, you can choose a Save the Kiwi EFTPOS card or cheque book.

Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust was established in November 2002 by Bank of New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, building on a sponsorship relationship that started in 1991. Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust is responsible for public awareness and education, fundraising, sponsorship and grant allocations for kiwi recovery nationally. In 2007 alone, $760,000 was allocated to community and DOC kiwi projects. This money came from Bank of New Zealand, its staff, customers and supporters of Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust.

ENDS

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