Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to welcome kākā
Start of a long-term species reintroduction programme.
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary will soon welcome kākā to the Sanctuary. The first birds are scheduled to arrive in March. This major translocation marks another milestone in the Trust’s work to restore a fully functioning, resilient ecosystem in the Sanctuary and to return native wildlife to the wider Nelson area.
In March, the Sanctuary is scheduled to receive two young male and one young female kākā fledglings from the Dunedin Botanic Garden kākā breeding programme, with the potential for a further four fledglings to arrive in May. Over the coming weeks, the Sanctuary’s conservation team will prepare the designated kaka release aviary, plan the translocation from Dunedin via plane, organise health checks and disease screening and liaise with iwi partners to ensure the birds have the best possible start in their new home.
Kākā are large, intelligent forest parrots classified as Nationally Vulnerable in the South Island. Once abundant throughout New Zealand’s forests, these distinctive birds—known for their olive-brown plumage, crimson underparts, strong curved beaks, and melodic calls— declined dramatically due to initial habitat loss and introduced pests. The total population size is estimated to be 1000–5000 mature individuals and without intervention, South Island kākā are predicted to significantly decline further due to predation by introduced pests. Kākā are now found primarily in protected areas with intensive pest control or on pest-free offshore islands and sanctuaries.
The plan is for these translocations to continue each year for the next decade to ideally reach a minimum of 40 kākā released.
Chief Executive Chris McCormack says the addition of kākā reflects the steady progress of the Sanctuary’s long-term restoration vision.
“This is a hugely significant moment for the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. The return of kākā builds on years of careful planning, dedicated mahi, and community support. Our team and volunteers have worked tirelessly to create a safe, well-managed environment for wildlife, and seeing another species come home to the Sanctuary is a powerful testament to that effort,” McCormack said.
The reintroduction of kākā follows recent conservation successes that underscore the Sanctuary’s growing capacity to support threatened species. Most notably, following the May 2025 translocation of kiwi pukupuku and their first breeding season, an estimated 10–15 kiwi chicks are now present in the Sanctuary — exciting new evidence that the population is establishing successfully. In 2024, tuatara were successfully established, and between 2021 and 2023, the Sanctuary received critically endangered kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeets)—it now supports the largest populations of this species.
McCormack emphasised that this milestone is the result of more than two decades of community commitment.
“The Sanctuary exists because of our volunteers, donors, partners, and local supporters who believed in this vision from the beginning. From building the fence to maintaining biosecurity and restoring habitat, their work has laid the foundation for every species we are now able to welcome back,” he said.
Looking ahead, McCormack highlighted the growing need for support as the Sanctuary’s conservation work expands.
“As we care for an increasing number of threatened species, the Sanctuary’s work becomes more vital—and more resource-intensive. Every contribution, whether through time or support, helps ensure we can continue this essential mahi for generations to come. This is work that belongs to all of us, and we invite the community to be part of this journey.”
The Sanctuary will share further details about the kākā arrival, including timing and visitor information, in early March.
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