Mokoia Island home to kokako

Mokoia Island is now home to four endangered kokako.

As part of a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and the Mokoia Island Trust Board, four kokako were released on the predator-free island yesterday.

The endangered birds came from Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

They will join other endangered species such as kiwi, saddleback, North Island robin and weka on the Lake Rotorua island.

The Rotorua region is already a stronghold for the endangered kokako with populations in Kaharoa, Rotoehu and Manawahe.

Mokoia Island Trust chairman Selwyn Bennett said the relocation of the kokako on to the island has brought diversity to the endangered species already on the island.

"Established species have successfully bred to such an extent that translocations from Mokoia have been made for toutouwai (North Island robin) to Tuhua (Mayor Island) and Ark in the Park (Waitakeres), weka to Whirinaki Forest and tieke (saddleback) to Bushy Park in Whanganui," Mr Bennett said.

"Recently introduced kiwi are also flourishing in their new environment," he said.

Department of Conservation's biodiversity ranger Bridget Evans said the relocation allowed the department to study the birds in a pest-free environment, while also allowing the public the chance to observe the iconic bird.

She said many groups within the Rotorua and Tiritiri Matangi communities supported the relocation.

"It has been humbling to see everyone work together to bring to fruition this successful release and to get behind a cause that will raise awareness of kokako," she said.

More kokako are expected to be released in the next few weeks.