Kokako joins in efforts for namesake

BIRD WATCH: Staff from Kokako Organic Coffee working in the Rotoehu Forest and looking for kokako. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Staff from an Auckland-based coffee company have got down in the dirt to help with conservation efforts for their namesake, the endangered North Island kokako.

Kokako Organic Coffee Roasters managing director Mike Murphy and members of his management team have spent the past two days in Pongakawa helping the Rotoehu Ecological Trust prepare trails for 200 possum traps in the Rotoehu Forest. Mr Murphy said they were able to get up close and personal with the birds.

"We managed to see a pair of kokako and their juvenile which was pretty exciting."

He said as well as sponsoring the trust and providing coffee and hot chocolate for volunteers, working in the bush was a great way to contribute to kokako conservation efforts.

"We found for us, being able to connect at that level is really important, and to do something meaningful."

Trust chairwoman Sarah Orton said the company's sponsorship was important to the conservation efforts.

"We have been through the tracks to establish new tracks and then to help out with clearing the tracks so when the 200 Department of Conservation traps do come in it will be ready.

"When we first set up our trust it was important to take care of our volunteers. That involved things like making sure their mental and physical wellbeing were taken care of. To be able to relax over a cup of coffee and some baking at the end of the day is important."

Ms Orton said the team from Kokako had been supporting the trust for about a year, with some of the proceeds from coffee sales going to the trust.

Mr Murphy also encouraged people to vote for the kokako in this year's Bird of the Year campaign. For information go to www.forestandbird.org.nz/bird-of-the-year.