Despite this, and despite being traditionally hammered by introduced predators, the boisterous go-lucky species is seemingly making a comeback on predator-free islands but also, of late, in urban areas of Hawke's Bay.
Personally I've yet to see the crimson-winged beauty in the Bay's wild so this was great news.
Department of Conservation Ahuriri-Napier senior biodiversity ranger Denise Fastier said it was not unusual to see kaka in urban areas because they often flew down to escape snow on the mountains.
"This year we've had reported sightings of kaka as far away as Waipukurau, and closer to the birds' home, people have reported seeing them in Havelock North, on Napier Hill and in Pakowhai Regional Park."
Contrast this with news later last week which detailed the region's largest kiwi population could be imperilled by two dogs loose in the Kaweka Forest Park.
A DoC spokesperson said the dogs entered the park in early July with their owner, "escaped" and have not been seen since.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Ahuriri-Napier ranger Rod Hansen said he was concerned for the welfare of the kiwi, as the dogs had not been trained to avoid birds.
"Only avian avoidance-trained, permitted dogs are allowed in the park and they must be under the control of their owner at all times," Hansen said.
So there it is, kaka have taken flight, while the flightless kiwi in the Kaweka Forest Park could face a tempestuous few weeks with two hungry dogs on the prowl.
That's why I'm fully behind the Cape to City Project which aims to reduce local pest numbers.
For whatever reason, it's become my cause célèbre. Fingers crossed a groundswell takes hold and we'll see more of both kiwi and kaka in these parts.
