Wellington, New Zealand – The Department of Conservation (DOC) has issued a urgent call to action for residents and visitors in the Mackenzie Basin to assist in spotting and reporting sightings of the critically endangered kaki, or black stilt, New Zealand’s rarest native bird. This initiative, launched on October 29, 2025, aims to bolster conservation efforts for the species, whose population remains perilously low despite ongoing recovery programs.
The kaki (Himantopus novaezelandiae), a sleek black wading bird with distinctive red eyes and long pink legs, is one of the world’s rarest shorebirds. Once widespread across New Zealand’s wetlands and braided rivers, the population plummeted due to habitat loss, predation by introduced mammals, and other environmental pressures. Today, fewer than 300 individuals survive in the wild, with many concentrated in the South Island’s Mackenzie Basin during breeding season. The DOC’s appeal encourages community involvement in monitoring to gather vital data on nesting sites, fledgling success, and overall distribution.
“The Mackenzie Basin is a key stronghold for kaki, but their elusive nature makes it challenging to track every bird,” said DOC Biodiversity Ranger Sarah Thompson. “By reporting sightings, locals can play a direct role in protecting this taonga species. Even a single observation can inform our management strategies and help prevent further decline.” The call comes at a critical time, as the breeding season peaks in spring and early summer, when adult birds return to traditional riverbed nesting areas to raise chicks.
Participants are asked to look for kaki in shallow wetlands, braided river sections like the Ahuriri, Tekapo, and Ohau Rivers, and nearby lakeshores. The birds are most active at dawn and dusk, foraging for aquatic insects and small crustaceans. DOC provides a simple reporting tool via their website or a dedicated hotline, where observers can submit photos, GPS locations, and descriptions. Training webinars are scheduled for November 2025 to educate volunteers on identification and ethical observation practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds.
This community-driven approach builds on decades of conservation work. Since the 1980s, DOC has led a captive rearing and release program, partnering with iwi such as Ngai Tahu and international experts from organizations like the International Wader Study Group. Releases of captive-bred chicks into the Mackenzie Basin have increased wild numbers, but challenges persist, including floods that destroy nests and predators like stoats and feral cats. Recent data shows a slight population uptick, with 250 wild kaki recorded in 2024, but experts warn that without sustained monitoring, gains could be reversed.
The initiative also highlights broader wetland restoration efforts in the region. The Mackenzie Basin’s unique alpine wetlands, part of the Te Waihora-Canterbury Wetland complex, support not only kaki but also other endemic species like the wrybill plover and banded dotterel. DOC’s Upper Waitaki Rivers Restoration Project, funded through government and community contributions, involves fencing off predator-proof areas and planting native vegetation to enhance habitats. Volunteers spotting kaki may contribute to these larger ecosystem health assessments.
Local engagement is crucial, as the basin’s vast, open landscapes make professional surveys logistically difficult. Farmers, anglers, and recreational users—common in this outdoor haven—are uniquely positioned to encounter the birds during routine activities like fishing or hiking. DOC emphasizes that kaki are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953, prohibiting harm or egg collection, and urges respectful distances of at least 50 meters from nests.
Responses to the call have been positive, with initial sightings reported within days of the launch. One farmer near Lake Tekapo shared photos of a pair with two chicks, providing valuable breeding confirmation. Such inputs help refine release sites for future captive-bred birds and target predator control operations.
As New Zealand faces intensifying climate pressures, including altered river flows from glacial retreat, protecting kaki underscores the need for adaptive biodiversity strategies. The DOC’s effort exemplifies how citizen science can bridge gaps in resource-limited conservation, fostering a sense of stewardship among communities. For those in the Mackenzie Basin or planning visits, this is an opportunity to engage in meaningful outdoor activities that safeguard Aotearoa’s natural heritage.
The campaign will run through the 2026 breeding season, with updates shared via DOC’s social channels and newsletters. Interested individuals can sign up for alerts to stay involved.