A breeding pair of New Zealand falcon (kārearea) has been confirmed to be raising two fledglings in the Hunua Ranges.
A targeted survey commissioned by Auckland Council was undertaken over 40 days between December last year and February, provided the first formal baseline assessment of kārearea presence and breeding activity in the park.
Conducted across 293 survey locations and 313 hours of observation, the project documented the birds’ continued presence and breeding activity in the area following aerial 1080 predator control, which has helped reduce predator pressure on native wildlife.
The native falcon/kārearea – regarded as the true “Ferrari” of the forest – is New Zealand’s only endemic diurnal raptor and is classified as Threatened – Nationally Increasing. With an estimated 5,000 – 8,000 birds nationwide, they are uncommon in the Auckland region, which sits at the northern edge of their breeding range.
Kārearea specialist, Chifuyu Horikoshi, who led the field work, confirmed a breeding pair in a mid-valley site in the central Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges near Mine Road Track.
“To confirm a pair successfully raising two fledglings here is incredibly encouraging,” says Ms Horikoshi.
“Watching kārearea hunt through native forest is breathtaking; they are exceptionally fast, agile, and intelligent birds truly built for pursuit. Seeing them deliver prey and continue caring for their young, shows this habitat is supporting their full breeding cycle.”
Repeated detections observed prey deliveries to the chicks; prey deliveries confirm continued occupancy and post-fledging care. The breeding site featured complex topography, a wide valley system, large developing trees and a relatively open forest floor, conditions consistent with known kārearea habitat preferences.
Kārearea nest on or near the ground in a simple hollow known as a ‘scrape’, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators such as cats, mustelids, pigs, and possums. Intensive pest management across the park including volunteer efforts, targeted plant and animal control, is designed to protect a wide range of native species that evolved without these threats.
Auckland Council’s Team Manager Specialist Advice, Paul Duffy says the finding is significant.
“This study gives us the first clear evidence that kārearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges. It also shows that intensive predator management and ground-based trapping is giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region.
“Predator control creates safer conditions for them and many other native species.”
Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee Councillor Richard Hills says this is fantastic news for Auckland’s native wildlife.
“Seeing a pair of kārearea successfully raising chicks in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges shows that the work we’re doing to control predators and restore our natural environment is making a real difference. It’s exactly the kind of outcome Aucklanders hoped for when they supported the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.”
Younger Aucklanders are also encouraged to get out and experience the region’s wildlife for themselves.
“If you’re between 18 and 35, we know life can be busy and expensive, but this is a great reminder that regional parks are free and a great way to get off the grid and explore what’s right on your doorstep,” says Mr Hills.
“The Hūnua Ranges are home to incredible species like the kārearea and the hauntingly beautiful kōkako. Take a hike, keep your eyes on the treetops, and you might just spot one of these remarkable birds in the wild. It’s a reminder that some of the most exciting things in Auckland aren’t on our phones, they’re out in nature.”
Local mana whenua welcomed the news, noting the kārearea is a taonga and a powerful presence in the ngahere. Often mistaken for the more common kāhu (swamp harrier) which glides slowly, the smaller kārearea is New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of high-speed pursuit through forest canopy.
Residents are encouraged to report sightings through citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or eBird, and to include photographs where possible to help with identification.
