The evidence? Footage from a trail camera set by a PhD student from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Watch the footage here.
“This kiwi-nui is one of over 200 kiwi released by the Capital Kiwi Project on Wellington’s big southwestern hills since 2022,” says Paul.
“Epic mahi from many—locals, iwi, landowners—over many years has helped to return our national icon and taonga home, where they’re ranging freely on the hills of Te Upoko o Te Ika for the first time in around 150 years.”
The kiwi are successfully breeding, but the project team would like to remind everyone to practice good dog control in the area. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash in required areas, ensure it’s contained at night, report missing dogs ASAP, and drive safely on roads in the West of the city.
“Kiwi ora!”
Find out more about Paul and Capital Kiwi in our story from 2023.