Kiwi released on to Wairakei sanctuary

A unique predator free sanctuary developed within the confines of the privately owned 18-hole Wairakei Golf Course, near Taupo, is now home to two young kiwi chicks.

The official handing over and release of the two brown kiwi at the end of the first day of the annual NZPGA senior championship tournament at Wairakei ( March 1) was marked with a Powhiri.

Director General of Conservation Al Morrison and Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary owner Gary Lane also signed an official Memorandum of Understanding formalising an agreement to make the most of conservation and restoration opportunities within the sanctuary. That includes using it as a crèche for kiwi.

Professional and amateur golfers taking part in the tournament were given an opportunity to view the kiwi chicks before they were released on to a forested area of the sanctuary. The two kiwi will be released back into the wild in about five to six months time when they reach a weight of around one kilo and are large enough to defend themselves from predators.

The golf course sanctuary was officially opened a year ago and is believed to be the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Mr Lane said the opportunity to work with DOC to use it as a safe haven for threatened native species like kiwi was very rewarding.

He said the idea of creating a sanctuary on the iconic 180 ha golf course property was sparked by an article that said 95% of kiwi born in the wild were likely to be killed by stoats, weasels and other predators.

"The objective has been to provide an environment where kiwi and other threatened species can grow and survive and I feel privileged to receive the first two kiwi to Wairakei."

Director General of Conservation Al Morrison described Mr Lane as a visionary who had done "a fantastic job" with the sanctuary project.

"We are delighted and proud to be partnering with the innovative work that is being done here - not just for golfers but for New Zealand."

Proceeds from this year's NZPGA golf tournament and a charity auction are going to local conservation organisation Project Tongariro. Funds will be split two ways going to ongoing forest restoration efforts at Rotopounamu and to initiating restoration work linking northern Lake Taupo Reserves and the Wairakei area.

The auction, which raised $50,000 included a range of guided adventure and luxury conservation trips around the district that were put together by Project Tongariro and DOC in conjunction with the Wairakei golf course.