Kiwi trust open day

The Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust is celebrating a decade of successes and kiwi releases with an open day this weekend.

Ten years ago, the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust was formed with the aim of ensuring the long term survival of kiwi in one of last remaining areas of native virgin forest close to Tauranga.

Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae releases four kiwi chicks at the Otanewainuku Forest on Wednesday. Photos by Tracy Hardy

Today the public will have the opportunity to learn about the trust’s achievements relating to the release of several kiwi – one of which by Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae in March this year.

Chairman Peter Wells says everyone is welcome to attend the open day in Otanewainuku forest.

“This is a chance to celebrate our successes and demonstrate the techniques used for trapping, bait stations and telemetry for monitoring kiwi and kokako.  

“There will be guided walks of varying degrees, suitable to all ages and stages of fitness and our camp kitchen will be offering a sausage sizzle.”

Formed in 2002, the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust is a community based conservation trust and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Conservation which administer the reserve. 

The Otanewainuku Conservation area, 25 kilometres south of Tauranga, is 1200 hectares of native virgin forest largely unmodified by human activity.

The open day begins at 12pm.

Public are being advised to bring warm clothes, sturdy footwear, raincoat, extra food and drink and a donation.