At that time, Morgan reported finding a large adult kiwi unconscious on the island. The bird was rushed to Whangārei’s Native Bird Recovery Centre, where dehydration was confirmed as the likely cause of its condition.
Despite being administered fluids, the kiwi died the following day.
The new water tank for Matakohe-Limestone Island’s kiwi population is towed across Whangārei Harbour from Beach Rd, Onerahi.
At the time, Morgan said weeks of little rain and persistent southwesterly winds had created massive cracks in the ground on the island and caused vegetation to wilt. He had become increasingly concerned about the fire risk and the wellbeing of the island’s kiwi.
Morgan also reported seeing kiwi wandering in the daytime – unusual behaviour for the nocturnal species and often associated with drought conditions and difficulty finding enough food.
Kiwi get much of their water through the worms and other invertebrates they eat. When the ground hardens during prolonged dry spells, it can become harder for the birds to forage, increasing the risk of dehydration.
The FMLI group hopes the new tank supply will help create damp feeding areas and reduce that risk if Northland experiences the prolonged dry conditions forecasters are predicting this summer.
Morgan said “we sat and brainstormed to think of something that might help the [drought] situation”.
“Obviously it won’t help the whole island, but maybe we can keep a patch of the area wet during summer, or release water so the ground is a bit softer.”
FMLI paid about $4000 for the tank, Morgan said. It was transported to the island during an early morning operation and plumbed in the following day.
The installation also marks the end of an era for the island, with Morgan’s three-year contract period drawing to a close at Labour Weekend.
His successor, Zara Skuse, begins her handover training this Friday.
Morgan said he would miss spending summers on the island but planned to take some time off from his conservation work to travel, beginning with a trip through the South Island.
Reflecting on his time as ranger, Morgan said he was particularly proud of improvements to bait-station access tracks through the island’s bush, making them easier for volunteers, students and researchers to use.
Another highlight was taking part in this year’s release of about 450 giant wētā (wētāpunga) on the island – a project five years in the making, first initiated by his predecessor.
Matakohe-Limestone Island is renowned as a highly successful “kiwi creche”, which raises chicks until they are strong enough to fight off a stoat. The kiwi are then taken to the mainland and released into pest-controlled areas.
Sarah Curtis is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on a wide range of issues. She has 20 years’ journalism experience, much of it in court reporting in Gisborne and on the East Coast.