A new breeding pair of Kākā were introduced to Invercargill City Aviary in Queens Park yesterday evening. 

They came down from Nelson’s Natureland where they were bred.

Moving them to the Invercargill facility will encourage a mix of genetics, minimise inbreeding and contribute to the national breeding programme. 

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There are two other pairs at the aviary, bringing the total now to six birds.

Invercargill City Council (ICC) parks performance officer Bevan Cameron said the male bird from Nelson interacts with his keepers, but not with the female Kākā.

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"We hope that the move will discourage this behaviour and the competition will encourage him to pair up and successfully breed.

"Our young Kākā pair have shown courting behaviour, but have not successfully bred. 

"It is hoped by holding two pairs as a flock that we will create competition, enable courting behaviour and successful breeding."

One of Invercargill's new Kākā emerges from its travel box, into its new home. Photo: Geena Bragg

Numbers of Kākā are thought to be declining with the species classified as nationally vulnerable.

ICC parks staff and Ngai Tahu kaumatua Michael Skerrett, of Waihopai runanga, welcomed the birds to the Aviary at about 6.30pm yesterday, when they were released into the native flight (Aviary facility).

Today the younger pair of the two current pairs will join the newcomers in the same flight.

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Parks performance acting manager Kate Gough said Kākā did not like to be alone.

"In the wild they are normally in groups, by having four flying together we hope they will be able to start exhibiting behaviour that is more aligned with natural behaviour in the wild.

"Creating natural competition between birds and a natural hierarchy is important for socialisation of the birds."

The public can view the birds in their new home from today.