We’re spotlighting the work of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust’s Kaihāpa Kiwi Volunteers who - alongside partner organisations Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust and the Taranaki Mounga Project - have assisted with the translocation of over 140 kiwi in and out of Taranaki in 2025.
WWF-New Zealand is proud to support the Trust’s project this year as part of its Community Conservation Fund in partnership with the Tindall Foundation.
Behind every kiwi release is a wider story of commitment, community, and countless hours of work — much of it carried out by passionate volunteers working to protect Aotearoa’s national icon for generations to come.
Each release involves a dedicated group of accredited kiwi handlers and kiwi box carriers, who ensure kiwi make it to their new homes safely.
Traplines across the region help protect these translocated kiwi and others living in the wild. Checking these traplines is a vital part of keeping the whenua safe for kiwi.
Volunteers play a significant role in the Trust’s mission and make these translocations possible. Over the last financial year, volunteers have contributed an incredible 7000 hours of their time.
Trust manager Celine Filbee says volunteers help with a range of tasks not just the translocations, including trapping, kiwi monitoring, acoustic surveys, health checks, data analysis, catering, proofreading and building trap boxes.
She says the Trust is very appreciative of the support provided by the WWF Community Conservation Fund.