Kākāriki karaka egg retrieval, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – Nelson, New Zealand

February 12th 2026 marked a significant milestone in the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary’s Kākāriki karaka programme with the successful translocation of eggs to the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust base in Christchurch, where the birds are now well on their way to becoming an important part of the breeding programme.

The Kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet) population at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary plays a vital role in the recovery of this critically endangered species. As well as being genetically diverse, the population is thriving within a fenced, predator-free habitat comprising significant numbers of mature beech trees which provide ideal nesting opportunities.

Following the translocation of 125 birds between 2021 and 2023, the estimated Kākāriki karaka population in the Sanctuary is now between 250 and 300, making it the largest population of Kākāriki karaka in the world.

Lead up to the day involved extensive monitoring, finding a suitable nest and preparation. I tagged along to document the delicate extraction as a team of Sanctuary volunteers and DOC rangers worked together for the best part of a day.

Sean McGrath, one of Sanctuary volunteers who has been part of the Kākāriki team for a number of years, was there and has written has an in-depth article on the preparation and the events of the day: Kākāriki karaka – egg gathering

Sean’s follow-up article is also well worth reading: Kākāriki karaka – Update on the eggs sent to Isaac

See also

• RNZ: Kākāriki karaka eggs flown from Nelson sanctuary to Christchurch to boost species recovery
• RNZ: Efforts underway to help endangered Kākāriki Karaka
• DOC: The egg race – hopeful signs for the Kākāriki Karaka recovery programme
• Brook Sanctuary resource page on the Kākāriki karaka
• The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust

This video is an updated version of one released about a month ago with a few updates including pictures of the hatched chicks which have now fledged and are on their way to independence.

Credits:
– Additional footage (at 6 sec in) of Kākāriki karaka chicks being fed is from Sean McGrath – see his website at https://www.seanmcgrath.nz for more images and video from the Brook Sanctuary.

– Stills of the nestlings from Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust taken by Cage Cardon.

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