Conservationists are flocking to Rotorua this week for a biennial gathering on protecting kōkako.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is hosting the Kōkako Recovery Group hui at the Okataina Outdoor Education Centre from Friday to Saturday.

One of those conservationists, 73-year-old Alan Saunders, has studied kōkako since he was 9.

He was with the Hamilton Junior Naturalists Club when he first heard the bird’s haunting call.

“I was already besotted by birds – we’d have regular club camps out at Te Kauri Lodge between Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia.

“I got up very early one morning and heard this wonderful mournful bird song – it was kōkako.”

Saunders said young naturalists and their guides “scrambled” from their tents to catch a glimpse of the secretive birds.

“It absolutely hooked me into conservation.”

Alan Saunders has studied kōkako since he was 9. Photo / Alan Saunders

He will reunite at the hui with other pioneers he worked alongside in protecting kōkako.

Saunders went on to join the Wildlife Service as a trainee, then DoC.

There, he helped to lead work to bring the kōkako back from near extinction as habitat loss and predation took their toll.

He spent about 27 years with the two organisations and was involved in producing one of DoC’s first species protection plans for kōkako.

He said kōkako became a prominent and symbolic species for conservation.

“The birds’ survival became a focal point for successful efforts to eventually cease logging and protect the forest habitat.”

As a result, kōkako are still found in Pureora.

Saunders retained his connection with kōkako protection throughout his various DoC roles.

“We knew more about kōkako than most other animals we were forced to manage, because they were endangered.”

He said kōkako were survivors.

Alan Saunders counting birds in the 1980s. Photo / Alan Saunders

“Some of the most dramatic responses we’ve seen, in terms of species recovery, are in relation to landscape-scale goals for kōkako. They’re doing really well now.”

Saunders said he was delighted that kōkako populations were growing across the country, including on Mt Pirongia, near where he lives.

Seeing the birds flourish made his heart fly.

Community groups were the “beating heart” of kōkako protection, and he was looking forward to reconnecting with other pioneers.

DoC kōkako recovery group lead Rhys Burns said this year’s hui would cover a range of topics, including research, translocations and best practice for managing the birds.

It would also cover tools to control predators.

“We estimate about 100 people will attend, including many of the veterans like Alan, who forged the path we’re on to protect these birds.”

DOC was encouraging people to take small actions for nature, which could include getting involved in a community group working to protect kōkako.

There are 30 kōkako populations scattered over the upper North Island.

People interested in volunteering or contributing to these groups can email their local DOC office for more information.

Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.