Welcome to Arapaoa Kiwi
Arapaoa Kiwi Trust’s vision is to return kiwi to Arapaoa Island in the Marlborough Sounds in approximately five years. This requires stoats to be eradicated in order to restore and protect the environment and habitat for the kiwi to be introduced.
The project commenced in 2021 with the formation of a charitable trust – Arapaoa Kiwi Trust (CC59615) and the formation of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of national experts. Traps started being placed in September 2022 with a pilot programme stage.
Since the pilot programme evaluation, the project has been continually expanding trap lines as funds and time permit with traps and monitoring cameras. Further traps are planned to fill the gaps in the coverage. With traps extending end for end on the island, we can start having a real effect on the stoat population.
In line with biodiversity best practices, extensive research and advice, our Operational Plan outlines the geographic and existing island environment, timelines and stages, the latest methods of trapping and monitoring to ensure our goal for the eradication of stoats and the introduction of kiwi is achievable and sustainable.
Our thanks to our funders and sponsors, to our team of volunteers and the strong support from the local residents, DOC, local Iwi, and other local conservation groups.
