The future for kakapo breeding could be brighter thanks to advancements in reproductive technology.

This breeding season three female kakapo were successfully inseminated using artificial insemination (AI) technology, resulting in two chicks. 

This is the first time this kind of technology has been successful in kakapo in more than a decade, making it a "crucial milestone" for the long-term recovery of species, according to Department of Conservation (DOC) kakapo operations manager Deidre Vercoe.

She said kakapo were unusual birds because they only bred every two to three years when the rimu trees fruit. 

Because of high rates of infertility, kakapo had a very low success rate when they had a go on their own.

"In addition, many male kakapo either never get to breed or only produce few offspring, which worsens the already limited genetic diversity of the species."

Ms Vercoe said artificial insemination provided an opportunity to help fix both of these problems by attempting to increase egg fertility and minimise loss of genetic diversity.

Sadly, one male, Sinbad, has not yet passed on his rare Fiordland genes. One of his AI-produced chicks this year was one of the 13 currently impacted by aspergillosis, a fungal disease threatening the kakapo population on Whenua Hou, near Stewart Island. 

However, Ms Vercoe said this development was still something to celebrate because AI was likely to be a crucial tool for the future genetic management of the species.

DOC's Kakapo Recovery programme began investigating the use of AI for kakapo breeding in 2002.

Ten years ago it was successful, making it the first time it had worked in a wild bird species worldwide. However, subsequent attempts in 2011, 2014 and 2016 were all unsuccessful.

The latest results were a credit to refining AI's techniques and technology, Ms Vercoe said. 

Ngai Tahu representative to the Kakapo Recovery Group Tane Davis said this success was an example of western science working alongside traditional Matauranga (knowledge) values.

"The existing kakapo population has a very limited stream of whakapapa to produce offspring from. The joining of Matauranga and western science perspectives are needed to maintain the kakapo population, and ultimately enhances the Mauri of kakapo."

This work was funded by DOC and Meridian Energy, with experienced AI practitioners from Giesen University in Germany joining the kakapo team on Whenua Hou in February and March.

Ms Vercoe said future advancements in AI would see more and more successes for kakapo.

"We can be more confident in the ongoing use of AI as a tool in the species' management toolbox."