Auckland trampers help revive endangered kōkako population
Trampers in Auckland have helped to revive dwindling kōkako numbers in a North Island forest, a study reveals.
A four-year survey of the kōkako bird found Pureora Forest Park is the first site nationally to have recovered to more than 1,000 individual birds, while in 1995 there were just seven pairs of kōkako in the area.
Volunteers from the Auckland Tramping Club (ATC) and Howick Tramping Club (HTC) have contributed to pest control operations in the Pureora Forest to protect the kōkako over the past 20 years.
Department of Conservation community ranger Kina Campbell said the two tramping clubs’ continued efforts demonstrate the importance of community contributions to conservation.
“To see the steady growth in the kōkako population is a great reflection in the value of the work being put in by members of these two tramping clubs,” he said.
Trampers carpool to Pureora during kōkako breeding season in spring and early summer, to reduce predators through setting and baiting traps and maintaining bait stations.
HTC spokeswoman Colleen Grayling said between 20 and 25 volunteers regularly give their time and effort, visiting the area up to six times per year.
“The reasons we volunteer are using our outdoor skills and gear for a worthwhile cause, enjoying the bush and birdlife, a chance to hear and see kōkako and the camaraderie of being with like-minded people,” she said.
“Hearing the calls of the increasing kōkako population and seeing the positive survey results drives the involvement. We have definitely had our challenges, but overall, our loyal volunteers’ hard work has paid dividends.”
HTC’s involvement with the kōkako efforts in Mangatutu goes back to 1997, and since 2003 the club has helped with applying for funding, purchasing supplies and administrative tasks to support the Department of Conservation (DOC). ATC has been working in the Tunawaea catchment since 2011.
As a result of the central North Island pest control work, the official status of the kōkako has moved from ‘Threatened’ to ‘At Risk – Recovering’.
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Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
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