‘Thrilling’: Young Kiwi Sighting A Milestone For Iwi Restoration EffortsAugust 11, 2026King Country, Taranaki, WhanganuiThe sighting of a young kiwi at Ngā Roto-o-Rangataua near Ohakune is being celebrated as a significant milestone in decades-long recovery efforts. The Department of Conservation said it was “a wonderful moment” for DOC, Save the Kiwi and local iwi Ngāti Rangi, which has been leading kiwi restoration efforts in the area known as Karioi Rāhui. The 5300ha ecological project is managed by Ngāti Rangi and the Department of Conservation (DoC). Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Waikato and the iwi Ngāti Koroki Kahukura began the translocation programme in March. She said signs notifying of kiwi presence and training dogs in kiwi avoidance would help protect kiwi in the area.