Kiwi find new island haven

Kiwi are moving closer to downtown Auckland as one of the Hauraki Gulf's most-visited islands becomes the city's newest wildlife sanctuary.

An ambitious plan to create a haven for kiwi and other seldom-seen birds and reptiles on Motuihe Island, 15km from Central Auckland, was launched by Conservation Minister Chris Carter yesterday.

The project would "turn back the clock" on the popular boating spot, visited by more than 45,000 people every year.

"This is an amazing adventure," he said of the transfers of kiwi and other species planned for this year.

The Department of Conservation's Auckland area manager, Beau Fraser, said hours of hard labour would be required over the next decade for tree-planting and weed eradication, but the island could offer Aucklanders a special night out.

"You could bring people out here for a nice glass of wine at the cafe at around 7pm, take them out to hear kiwi and get them back by 11pm," he said.

Motuihe Trust chairman John Laurence, who is also secretary of the Outboard Boating Club of Auckland, which is supporting the project, said he had been inundated with offers of volunteer labour to plant the thousands of trees needed.

Kiwi are no strangers to the gulf. A small population thrives on privately owned Ponui Island off the southern coast of Waiheke.

On Motuora Island, north of Whangaparaoa, some adults raised in the island's "creche" - to get them to a weight where they can fight off predators - have become permanent residents.

Tiritiri Matangi Island is home to little spotted kiwi and the birds have also survived on Kawau Island further north.

Rabbits, cats and rats have been eradicated from Motuihe over the past few years, and Mr Fraser said once kiwi were in residence, the island's dog ban would be strictly enforced.