#regional: Rare kārearea breeding confirmed in Hūnua Ranges after years of uncertainty

A rare conservation milestone has been confirmed in Auckland’s Hūnua Ranges, with a pair of kārearea successfully breeding in the area after years of uncertainty about their presence.

The confirmation marks a significant step forward for the recovery of the native falcon, one of Aotearoa’s most iconic and threatened bird species. The kārearea is the country’s only endemic bird of prey and remains vulnerable due to habitat loss, predation and human impacts.

The breeding success has been recorded in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui within the Hūnua Ranges, an area that has undergone extensive conservation and pest control efforts in recent years.

Conservation groups say the discovery of fledglings confirms that the environment is now supporting not just the presence of the species, but active breeding – a key indicator of ecosystem health.

The Hūnua Ranges had long been considered uncertain territory for kārearea, with sightings recorded over time but little evidence of sustained breeding. The latest development suggests conditions in the ngahere have improved to the point where the birds are able to raise young successfully.

Kārearea are known for their speed and agility, capable of hunting at high velocity and taking prey larger than themselves. Despite their strength as predators, they are particularly vulnerable during nesting, with chicks and eggs exposed to predators such as stoats, rats and feral cats.

Recent conservation work in the Hūnua Ranges, including large-scale pest control operations, has been credited with creating safer breeding conditions for native species. Lower predator numbers allow birds like the kārearea to nest and raise chicks with a higher chance of survival.

Monitoring has shown that the forest is becoming increasingly resilient, with a number of native species returning or expanding their presence in the region. The successful breeding of kārearea adds to that growing list and is being seen as a strong signal that conservation efforts are delivering results.

The milestone is also important for the long-term survival of the species in the North Island, where populations have historically been under pressure. With fewer than 8,000 birds estimated nationwide, every successful breeding pair contributes to strengthening the overall population.

Conservation advocates say the next step will be ensuring the continued protection of the breeding site and maintaining predator control efforts to support future nesting seasons.

The return of kārearea breeding to the Hūnua Ranges is being welcomed as a powerful example of what can be achieved through sustained conservation work, collaboration and investment in protecting Aotearoa’s native wildlife.

As the ngahere continues to recover, the presence of these formidable birds of prey is being seen not just as a conservation success, but as a sign of a healthier ecosystem for future generations.