Volunteers release kiwi

Volunteers at the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre were recently given the opportunity to take part in the release of two young kiwi.

Members of the Rangitane o Wairarapa and Pukaha restoration teams joined DoC ranger Yuri Forbes to release two young kiwi into the reserve. Volunteer Theo Gerritsen was delighted to be invited along.

"I am interested in the environment ... I am usually involved in tracking kiwi and clearing trap-lines at Pukaha, so it's a real thrill to be able to hold a young kiwi in your hands and then release it into the bush. It is something few New Zealanders get the opportunity to do."

He is keen to ensure the released kiwi stay safe.

"Now we must continue our work clearing and resetting the traps to ensure that the kiwi remain safe from potential predators."

Ross Thompson, youth worker at Rangitane o Wairarapa, visits the reserve once a week to maintain tracks and clear traps with a group of young men he mentors.

"Mentoring our young men as we work along the trap-lines is the key to our volunteer involvement. It provides them with transferable skills and prepares them for the workforce ..."

To volunteer, email volunteer@pukaha.org.nz