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Connecting kōkako
across the Bay of Plenty

A regional collective restoring safe habitat and strengthening isolated kōkako populations through collaboration, planting and predator control.

The Why

The Bay of Plenty's remaining kōkako populations hold five distinct genetic lineages, each an irreplaceable part of Aotearoa's natural heritage.

 

But these populations are isolated. Without connections between their forests, opportunities to disperse, breed and maintain genetic diversity are limited, putting their long-term survival at risk.

 

Protecting kōkako where they are today isn't enough to secure their future.

 

That's why KEEP is restoring and reconnecting native forests, we're giving kōkako the space and connections they need to grow into thriving, genetically resilient populations for generations to come.

©Neil Robert Hutton _ 17 MKT translocation.jpg

Photo: Neil Robert Hutton

What KEEP Does

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Grow Regional Support

We increase awareness of kōkako as indicators of forest health and strengthen regional support for their protection across the Bay of Plenty.

Connect Populations

We support safe habitat connections between isolated kōkako populations through coordinated predator control and targeted planting, building long-term resilience.

Build Capability

We improve regional capability in kōkako management through training, consistent monitoring, and shared data across projects.

Map showing Bay of Plenty kōkako populations Ōtanewainuku, Kaharoa, Rotoehu and Manawahe and the potential future connections between them, corridors
Map showing Bay of Plenty kōkako populations Ōtanewainuku, Kaharoa, Rotoehu and Manawahe and the potential future connections between them, corridors

The Collective

KEEP is a regional collaboration:

We work across project boundaries to
support kōkako at a landscape scale.

8 5 2 1

isolated

populations

in BOP

original

genetic

lineages

corridor

connections in progress

coordinated

effort

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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.

Our Supporters

Thank you to our funders who make this work possible.

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