Kokako numbers up in Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park

Kokako numbers are on the increase for the first time in decades in part of the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.

There are only 1200 of the endangered birds in New Zealand and Department of Conservation staff in Tauranga are excited about the boost in their district.

A survey of the Opuiaki ecological area on the Mamaku plateau revealed seven adult pairs of kokako, 12 single birds and three newly fledged chicks.

Project manager Brad Angus said there were probably more juveniles that had not been found.

He attributed the rising population of kokako to the success of a pest control operation last year.