The Trust is offering supporters the chance to purchase an Entertainment Book which contains 25% to 50% discounts and 2-for-1 vouchers redeemable at a number of fabulous restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, leisure activities and accommodation throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The Entertainment Book costs $50 with $10 from each book going to the Trust – order copies through the Trust office.

The longer autumnal nights have signalled the start of the kiwi breeding season.

Over the past few weeks kiwi calling on Maungatautari has increased as the birds call to their mates and begin to share burrows and prepare for the peak egg laying season in mid winter.

Photo: Phil Brown

A Maungatautari dairy farmer and business owner, with a law background, has been appointed as an adjoining landowner trustee at the Maungatautari Trust’s recent AGM. Mike Montgomerie operates two dairy farms, one on the edge of Maungatautari, and has been attending and contributing to Trust meetings for the past year.

Maungatautari’s recently released kaka chicks have remained in the southern enclosure and are providing entertainment for visitors.

“These kaka, which have been bred in captivity in the Maungatautari aviary, have bonded to the area giving visitors a greater chance of seeing and hearing these endangered birds in their natural habitat,” said kaka carer Marilyn Mackinder.

Photo: Marilyn Mackinder

The recently released hihi (stitchbirds) on Maungatautari are regularly visiting specially made feeders in the southern enclosure.

Photo: Phil Brown