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Kōkako Ecosystem Expansion Programme

Photo: Neil Robert Hutton

Who We Are

KEEP is an ambitious, multi-generational project with a vision to support the long-term sustainability of kōkako in the Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa, NZ. As a collective, we believe that every individual can make a difference. Through engagement, support and collaboration, our vision is to create a network of green corridors, that will link discrete kōkako populations. We want to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the unique beauty of kōkako and the natural environment they inhabit. Join us in our vision to protect these special birds for future generations.

About Kōkako

The North Island kōkako is a medium-sized forest bird and a member of the endemic wattlebird family. Alongside its relatives, the tieke and the extinct huia, the North Island kōkako holds a special place in our hearts. It is well known for its beautiful and haunting song.

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Challenges and Solutions

Kōkako are poor flyers, and require contiguous vegetation to move around. In the Bay of Plenty all kōkako populations are isolated from one another, meaning that, without active translocations there is no genetic flow between populations. Some areas are too small to hold a population large enough for long-term genetic sustainability. 

 

The solution is to create green corridors and support predator control expansion to allow movement between populations.    

KEEP | Upcoming Events

  • Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust Workday
    Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust Workday
    09 Nov 2025, 8:40 am – 2:00 pm
    09 Nov 2025, 8:40 am – 2:00 pm
    Ōtanewainuku Forest, 680 Mountain Road, Oropi 3173, New Zealand
  • Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust Workday
    Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust Workday
    14 Dec 2025, 8:40 pm – 8:45 pm
    14 Dec 2025, 8:40 pm – 8:45 pm
    Ōtanewainuku Forest, 680 Mountain Road, Oropi 3173, New Zealand
  • Rotoehu Ecological Trust Workday
    Rotoehu Ecological Trust Workday
    08 Nov 2025, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    08 Nov 2025, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
    Pongakawa, 1084/648 Rotoehu Road, Pongakawa 3186, New Zealand
    Help us finish the pest control season strong with post-toxin rat monitoring

Our Supporters

Thank you to our funders who make this work possible.

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