RNZAF takes on kiwi rescue operation
27 Apr 2010
A select group of native kiwi will get royal treatment when they fly with the air force as part of New Zealand’s largest-ever wildlife transfer next week.
With as many as 30 North Island brown kiwi needing to be swiftly moved 650km from their Hauraki Gulf island home to the lower North Island, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has called on the Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) for logistical assistance.
The iconic birds will join No 40 Squadron on a C130 Hercules to fly from Auckland next Friday (7.05.2010) arriving at Masterton Airport to an official welcome.
Mass kiwi transfer
The mass transfer of kiwi involves a major tracking and capturing operation by DOC on Hauturu / Little Barrier Island, near Auckland.
Teams of conservation workers will spend days capturing the 30 kiwi that are destined for Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, near Masterton in the Wairarapa region.
The kiwi will join others released in the Pukaha forest in progressive conservation efforts since 2003.
RNZAF operation
The RNZAF says the Hercules and No 40 Squadron will be on task at the time of the transfer and the aircraft has spare capacity.
The birds will enjoy a swift direct transfer from RNZAF Base Auckland to Hood Aerodrome Masterton where they’ll be met by an official party representing Pukaha Mount Bruce, local Māori iwi (tribe), and DOC, and members of the public.
A brief welcoming ceremony will take place to celebrate the kiwis’ arrival before the birds are driven the 30km to Pukaha Mount Bruce.
Media attention
The operation has attracted pubic interest and media will be on hand to capture the departure from RNZAF Base in Auckland, and arrival at Hood Aerodrome.
While the new arrivals will be protected from the audience and media gathering, an existing resident Pukaha Mount Bruce kiwi that will attend the welcome ceremony will be available for photographic opportunities.
Media may also be invited to attend the release of some of the kiwi at Pukaha Mount Bruce.
More information:
Flight of the kiwi prepares for takeoff
New Zealand’s iconic native birds
Bird conservation in New Zealand
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