FIRST OF MANY: The sudden appearance of this kaka in Eltham comes while plans are being made to reintroduce the species to Taranaki.The surprise arrival of a kaka in Eltham has preceded plans to have the species flourish in Taranaki once again.
The native parrot, dubbed Kare, first appeared in Lindsay Maindonald's Redwood Oaks garden three days ago and bird experts believe the bird is a female because of the size of its beak.
Maindonald's family named it after nearby Rotokare Scenic Reserve and hopes the kaka may choose to settle in the area.
Rotokare's project co-ordinator, Kara Prankerd, said the arrival was exciting because kaka reintroduction was already in the plans within the next 5-10 years.
"Who knows if this kaka will stick around or not - that would be the ultimate. You can't just catch them and release them obliviously, because they travel massive distances."
The plan is to build enclosures for one or two breeding pairs of kaka. Their offspring would then be released into the wider reserve but would stay nearby to their parents, who will also be let out when they become used to the habitat, Ms Prankerd said.
"Kaka are cavity nesters so they usually require a nice, mature forest. Hopefully long-term Rotokare becomes a bit of a source site and kaka become commonplace in Taranaki once again."
The reserve's trust is busy with other reintroduction projects including kiwi, giant weta and captive lizards.