More egg support for kiwi projects

Pukaha is reliant on generous supporters, such as Henergy.Bob Francis, chairman of Pukaha Mt Bruce Hens and kiwi are forming a new partnership as a top Masterton egg producer puts its weight behind Pukaha Mt Bruce.

Henergy Cage-Free Eggs have for years supplied bait eggs to support Pukaha's predator-control programme, but the company has now decided to contribute a portion of its sales.

Henergy is the largest cage-free producer in New Zealand, with all its eggs coming from one site near Masterton.

Trevor Friis, Henergy National Sales Manager, said Henergy had "a natural affinity for birds and their welfare".

Hens are raised in barns instead of cages and have space to flap their wings, scratch, bathe, perch and socialise, and nests in which to lay their eggs.

Mr Friis said customers could support Pukaha by buying the specially marked Henergy eggs at all good supermarkets.

Bob Francis, chairman of Pukaha Mt Bruce, said Henergy had "always been a great supporter of Pukaha, and this is a huge step forward in our special relationship".

"Pukaha is reliant on generous supporters, such as Henergy, to help us to keep the wildlife at Pukaha safe."

Pukaha's 940ha reserve is protected by 1000 bait stations and 500 traps in 130km of trap lines.

Largely silent until 10 years ago, the forest is home to increasing populations of kiwi, kokako and kaka.

The forest restoration project is designed to help bring the Pukaha reserve back to full life, and protect its wildlife.

In the wild, kiwi have a 5 per cent chance of survival, but at Pukaha the survival rate is around 60 per cent.

A survival rate of 25 per cent is needed to grow kiwi populations.

Pukaha currently has 60 kiwi in the reserve, with more due to be released.