Robins bouncing back on Mayor Island

Threatened North Island robins are flourishing on Mayor Island off the Bay of Plenty coast since their reintroduction a year ago.

The island was declared pest free in 2002 and Department of Conservation spokeswoman Michelle Elborn said the robin was the first species to be re-established after it disappeared from Mayor Island.

In May last year, 42 robins from Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua were released to their new home.

Of the originals, 23 robins were identified by colour bands on their legs. At least 55 unbanded chicks, bred over last summer, were also seen.