Fulton Hogan, which is the national partner of the Takahē Recovery Programme, has welcomed the announcement that the bird is moving down two places on the threat classification system – from nationally critical to nationally vulnerable.

The Minister of Conservation, Maggie Barry announced the move at the Threatened Species Summit last week following a review of the takahē population statistics. The Department of Conservation said while takahē are on the road to recovery at present, the breeding population needs to be managed very carefully, so the input of partners such as Fulton Hogan is vital.

Fulton Hogan’s National Development Manager, Michael Fulton said while it was pleasing the overall population has reached a milestone 300 birds in 2016 on the back of its most successful breeding season to date, it was crucial to maintain support. “We want to see the takahē population flourishing in its natural environment and there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done to get it to this level.”

Mr Fulton said a key part of the partnership would help DOC find other sites in the South Island where the takahē could roam on wild tussock land. Only a third of the population lives in the wild at present and they are heavily reliant on predator control. The rest of the birds are on a secure island or in mainland sanctuaries.

He added that the partnership was well-regarded within the company. “It’s pleasing to be assisting DOC and their staff, who are living their conservation values with the work they do. Our people who’ve been fortunate enough to release birds into the wild and also visit the sanctuaries and see this work first-hand have been positively affected by the experience.”

Above: Fulton Hogan’s National Development Manager, Michael Fulton assists with the release of a takahē into the wild.