By Richard Robbins, Project Coordinator for Project Island Song
Forty tīeke/North Island saddleback were recently welcomed to Ipipiri in the Eastern Bay of Islands by around 90 tāngata whenua and Project Island Song supporters.
Tīeke/saddleback getting ready to fly
Twenty tīeke were released at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island and twenty more at Ohutopu Bay on Moturua Island.
The birds arrived by helicopter from Mauimua/Lady Alice Island, each to a powhiri and celebration. Tīeke are the latest species to be returned as part of the Project Island Song restoration.
Tīeke arrive by helicopter
It was a huge relief to see the first lot of birds land safely and fly out of their boxes onto their new island home.
The big release
A further forty tīeke will arrive in late May—this time from Tiritiri Matangi—and again be divided between the two Ipipiri islands.
This will provide genetic diversity that should be useful for future populations elsewhere.
Tīeke released on Moturua Island
I am thankful for all the support from DOC, Explore Group, and the Air New Zealand Environment Trust.
Tīeke/North Island saddleback
For more information on this project visit the Project Island Song website or follow us on Facebook.
