Rotokare, like Bushy Park, is a predator fenced sanctuary managed by the community. It is 230 hectares. Bushy Park has 100 hectares enclosed.
Bushy Park sanctuary manager and volunteer coordinator Mandy Brooke said "these charismatic, engaging and vocal birds play a significant role in the forest as invertebrate predators."
She said while not a threatened species, the North Island robin is vulnerable to predation as they feed on the ground and are so inquisitive.
At Bushy Park the robin have thrived with abundant food supply, ideal habitat, and the removal of the threat of mammalian predators.
The robin are following 40 tīeke/saddleback to Rotokare, where they continue to thrive and grow that population.
nd work, with the catching taking place over several days.
"It was completely weather dependent, and requires great organisation to ensure meticulous care of the birds, and minimal stress for them."
Ms Brooke said every week Bushy Park holds regular volunteering days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, "with a friendly team of volunteers working in and around the forest, ensuring the sanctuary remains predator free, and helping to eradicate or manage weeds such as banana passionfruit, ivy and sycamore.
"There are always robin around as we work."
The sanctuary is continuing to thrive, with all three reintroduced bird species, toutouwai (North Island robin), tīeke (saddleback), and hihi (stitchbird) doing well, she said.
"Bushy Park Trust with all its volunteers, along with support from Forest and Bird, DOC, Horizons, and the local Rotary Club of Wanganui North is continuing to protect and care for this forest sanctuary and enable visitors to experience and learn about this special place."
The robin move was supported by local iwi Ngā Rauru Kiitahi for Bushy Park and Ngāti Tupaia for Rotokare.
