- Rare breeding success: a pair of kārearea (New Zealand bush falcon) has been confirmed raising two fledglings in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, an uncommon sight in the Auckland region.
- A 40-day targeted survey across 293 locations and 313 hours of observation confirmed the species’ presence and active breeding in the park.
- Predator control funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate is helping create safer conditions for threatened native wildlife.
There’s thrilling news from the treetops of Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges: a breeding pair of New Zealand’s endemic bush falcon, the kārearea, has been confirmed raising two fledglings this summer. This is an exciting find alongside the growing kōkako population.
The confirmation of a breeding pair marks an important step forward for one of New Zealand’s most remarkable raptors, the true “Ferrari” of the forest.
A targeted survey, commissioned by Auckland Council, was undertaken over 40 days between December 2025 and February 2026, provides the first formal baseline assessment of kārearea presence and breeding activity in the park. Conducted across 293 survey locations and 313 hours of observation, the project documented the birds’ continued presence and breeding activity in the area following aerial 1080 predator control, which has helped reduce predator pressure on native wildlife.
The native falcon/kārearea is New Zealand’s only endemic diurnal raptor and is classified as Threatened – Nationally Increasing. With an estimated 5,000–8,000 birds nationwide, they are uncommon in the Auckland region, which sits at the northern edge of their breeding range.
Kārearea specialist Chifuyu Horikoshi, who led the field work, funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) confirmed a breeding pair in a mid-valley site in the central Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges near Mine Road Track.
“To confirm a pair successfully raising two fledglings here is incredibly encouraging,” says Horikoshi.
“Watching kārearea hunt through native forest is breathtaking; they are exceptionally fast, agile and intelligent birds truly built for pursuit. Seeing them deliver prey and continue caring for their young, shows this habitat is supporting their full breeding cycle.”
Repeated detections observed prey deliveries to the chicks; prey deliveries confirm continued occupancy and post-fledging care. The breeding site featured complex topography, a wide valley system, large developing trees and a relatively open forest floor, conditions consistent with known kārearea habitat preferences.
Kārearea nest on or near the ground in a simple hollow known as a ‘scrape’, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators such as cats, mustelids, pigs and possums. Intensive pest management across the park including volunteer efforts, targeted plant and animal control, is designed to protect a wide range of native species that evolved without these threats.
Paul Duffy, Auckland Council’s Team Manager Specialist Advice, says the finding is significant.
“This study gives us the first clear evidence that kārearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges. It also shows that intensive predator management and ground-based trapping is giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region.
“Predator control creates safer conditions for them and many other native species.”
Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee Councillor Richard Hills says this is fantastic news for Auckland’s native wildlife.
“Seeing a pair of kārearea successfully raising chicks in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges shows that the work we’re doing to control predators and restore our natural environment is making a real difference. It’s exactly the kind of outcome Aucklanders hoped for when they supported the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.”
Younger Aucklanders are also encouraged to get out and experience the region’s wildlife for themselves.
“If you’re between 18 and 35, we know life can be busy and expensive, but this is a great reminder that regional parks are free and a great way to get off the grid and explore what’s right on your doorstep,” says Hills.
“The Hūnua Ranges are home to incredible species like the kārearea and the hauntingly beautiful kōkako. Take a hike, keep your eyes on the treetops, and you might just spot one of these remarkable birds in the wild. It’s a reminder that some of the most exciting things in Auckland aren’t on our phones, they’re out in nature.”
Local mana whenua welcomed the news, noting the kārearea is a taonga and a powerful presence in the ngahere.
Often mistaken for the more common kāhu (swamp harrier) which glides slowly, the smaller kārearea is New Zealand’s fastest bird, capable of high-speed pursuit through forest canopy. They hunt live prey and are renowned for their bold, territorial behaviour.
When the fastest bird in New Zealand chooses to raise a family here, it’s worth taking notice.
Residents are encouraged to report sightings through citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or eBird, and to include photographs where possible to help with identification.