Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 23:42 
Collaborative study on BFDV found the potentially fatal parrot disease in red-fronted parakeets Researchers at the University of Canterbury have found two threatened native parrot species are at risk from Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV), which has been discovered in the South Island for the first time.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 16:52 
Cyanoramphus malherbi, a "nationally critical" rare endemic bird of New Zealand. This is one of several birds being bred in captivity at Isaac Peacock Springs wildlife refuge. Image by Jon SullivanThe transfer to Blumine Island of birds deemed nationally critical with a high risk of extinction is imperative before a plague of predators gobbles their eggs.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 12:08 
Blur of bird: One of the 15 birds, which were relocated from the Isaac Wildlife Trust in Christchurch, is freed by Jonathon Cash, 15. The birds could start to breed within a month of being on Blumine Island.New Zealand's most endangered parakeet has found a new home on Blumine Island in the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Fifteen orange-fronted parakeet (or kakariki) were released on the island yesterday in front of members of the Department of Conservation, Te Atiawa and Rangitane iwi.
They did not hesitate in getting to know their new home, with most birds flying the coop as soon as the hatch door was opened.
The species is classified as nationally critical with a high risk of extinction. There are about 300 birds in the wild.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 11:49 
Orange fronted kakarikiThe first orange fronted parakeet (kakariki) to fledge in the wild, north of the Cook Strait in about 130 years, was sighted on Mayor Island.
The parakeet is listed as critically threatened and has been extinct in the North Island since the late 1800s.
In late 2009, Tuhua Trust welcomed the opportunity to help their return to the North Island with the support and gifting by Ngai Tahu hapu, Ngai Tuahuriri.
Friday, April 2, 2010 at 9:50 
DEVASTATING EFFECTS: A healthy red-fronted parakeet provides sharp contrast to a bird severely affected by the beak and feather virus.Scientists are worried a virulent disease affecting parakeets is more widespread than thought. Recent work among native red-fronted parakeets on Little Barrier Island has confirmed their worst fears.
“We estimate in a sample of 54 parakeets about 25 per cent have the virus, we don't know what is the real percentage in the whole population," says scientist Luis Ortiz-Catedral
Beak and feather disease causes birds to lose their feathers, develop beak deformities, and weakens their immune systems.
