Kakariki

There are five main species of Kakariki, and you can see the red-crowned parakeet at Paradise Valley Springs.

In Maori ‘kaka’ means parrot, ‘riki’ small, and ‘kakariki’ is the colour green.

Other name: Red-crowned Parakeet, Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae.

Sub-species are found on islands around New Zealand, such as Norfolk Island and New Caledonia.

Kakariki often forage on the ground, and young fledglings are fed on the ground before they can fly, making them highly vulnerable to predators.

How to help Kakariki: Setting traps for pests like mice, rats, possums and stoats and if you own a cat, make sure it is neutered, has a jingly bell on its collar and lock it inside at night. Even if you don’t have Kakariki in your area, this will benefit all your local native species.