The kōkako is Raponi Te Rangikātukua Wilson’s favourite. He got to hold one during a translocation project, and hearing them sing in the ngahere brings him joy. One day he’d love his kids to wake up to the rich melodies of kōkako ringing out across the bush.
It’s a vision Wilson is actively creating as part of an iwi-led restoration project, Te Wao Nui o Tapuika. The project is delivering pest control across a swathe of land that will connect up two existing kōkako safe zones. A team of “young trappers and hunters extraordinaire” are about to start their big baiting operation – but the project is already a success story.
Raponi Wilson (back) with his tīma.
