Takahē released in the Rees Valley – a conservation milestone
Date: 12th February 2025
This week, a group of 18 rare takahē took their first steps into the wild in the spectacular Rees Valley—marking a powerful moment not just for the species, but for conservation across the Southern Lakes region.
Their release onto 18,000 hectares of high-country leasehold land near Glenorchy is the culmination of collaboration and effort. Southern Lakes Sanctuary (SLS) led a three-year long predator control programme led by in collaboration with Rees Valley Station, Temple Peak Station, Mt Earnslaw Station, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ngāi Tahu and project partners including Fulton Hogan and Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust.
A Safe Haven for a National Treasure
Once thought extinct, takahē are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered flightless birds. Creating a safe habitat for them in the Rees Valley has been no small feat. Before SLS began this ambitious project in 2022, just 139 predator traps existed in the area. Today, 596 traps are in place and have removed 1,947 predators—including feral cats, stoats and rats—thanks to more than 5,700 trap checks by our dedicated field team.
These efforts have transformed the Rees into the largest area of non-public conservation land in New Zealand currently supporting wild takahē.
“This is exactly the kind of outcome that shows what’s possible when community, landowners and conservation groups come together,” says SLS Project Director Paul Kavanagh. “But maintaining a predator-controlled landscape is an ongoing mission. These taonga species need our continued protection if they’re to thrive.”
Credit: RealNZ
A Landscape Worth Returning To
The Rees Valley’s alpine tussock grasslands provide an ideal habitat for takahē, whose diet includes the starchy bases of tussock leaves, seeds and forest plants like the summer green fern. As snow blankets the hills in winter, the birds shift into forested areas in search of food—illustrating the importance of maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems.
Station owner Iris Scott says the return of takahē to the landscape is something truly special.
“We’ve always been proud of this land, but to now see takahē wandering through it again is incredibly validating. It proves we’ve kept this valley in a condition that can support native wildlife, just as it once did.”
With more takahē releases scheduled for March and September, it’s estimated that up to 80 birds could call the valley home by the end of 2025. And with the upper Whakatipu catchment capable of sustaining up to 500 birds long term, this site alone could more than double the current national wild takahē population within the next decade.
Powered by Partnership
DOC Takahē Recovery Senior Ranger Glen Greaves says the decision to reintroduce takahē into the Rees Valley was only possible because of SLS’s groundwork.
“The predator control in the Rees is robust and proactive—exactly what takahē need to thrive. Without Southern Lakes Sanctuary’s leadership and persistence, this opportunity simply wouldn’t exist.”
Currently, there are just 528 takahē in Aotearoa, with around half living in wild environments. The work in the Rees represents a critical step forward not only for takahē but also for over 15 other threatened species that call the area home, including kea, pīwauwau/rock wren, pekapeka/bats, and braided river birds.
© Sam Purdie
Help Us Go Further
This kind of success is only possible through sustained commitment—and support from partners and the community. We’re immensely grateful to our funders and sponsors: RealNZ, Impact 100, Lotteries, Stout Trust, Patagonia, QLDC, Central Lakes Trust, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and Heli Glenorchy.
“The Rees Valley is not just a beautiful part of the world—it’s a strategically important site that borders Mt Aspiring National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Area,” says Kavanagh. “With continued support, we can work towards total predator elimination here, creating a sanctuary for generations to come.”
Credit: RealNZ
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