A group of rare kiwi are to be released in Otago, which has not seen a wild kiwi in 130 years.
The Department of Conservation says it will release six to eight of the critically endangered Haast tokoeka kiwi at Orokonui Ecosanctaury, a fully-fenced, predator-proof reserve just north of Dunedin, on October 30.
The release marked the beginning of a "kohanga kiwi or kiwi creche", DOC spokesman Gareth Hopkins said.
"The transfer is a huge step in ensuring the survival of this iconic species."
Mr Hopkins said the young kiwi were vulnerable to stoats in their native South Westland habitat.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary manager Chris Baillie said it was an "ideal habitat" for young kiwi to live and breed.
"We have a great supply of invertebrates for kiwi tucker and micro-climates that will provide excellent habitat. The kiwi will be fitted with transmitters so that ecosanctuary staff and volunteers can monitor them regularly."
The offspring of the Orokonui kiwis would eventually help increase the wild population and provide opportunities to research kiwi productivity, he added.
The last kiwi recorded in Dunedin were killed by a dog in Burkes in 1872 - their skins are kept at the Otago Museum.
NZPA