The Napier creche, supported by PKF and Save the Kiwi, is a specialised facility where chicks spend 3-4 months gaining the weight and strength they need before being released into the wild. With around 20 pens dedicated to these young birds, the creche plays a significant role in their development.
Last season, we proudly sponsored one of these pens, helping to support and raise the two chicks, Knotty and Tenihi.
Knotty had hatched in the wild and was just 2 days old when he arrived at the creche. It took him four months to get to the magic goal weight of 1kg and able to defend themselves against predators such as ferrets and stoats. Tenihi is a female and did well at the Napier creche with no health issues or problems. After four months at the creche and gaining 735g, she was released into Maungataniwha Forest.
Currently, there are no chicks at the facility, but the team at Save the Kiwi is eagerly preparing for the arrival of the new season’s first arrivals in the coming months.
We’re thrilled to support Save the Kiwi’s efforts and look forward to sharing more updates as the new season unfolds!