Published by RNZ
The Kākāpō Files podcast is back with what’s set to be the biggest breeding season of all time for the world’s favourite parrot. Monthly episodes from late May 2026.
Listen on Apple Podcasts38 min
The oldest chick of the 2026 kākāpō breeding season, Tiwhiri-A1 has reached 150 days old and can be officially counted. This milestone increases the kākāpō population by one bird to 236, the first time it has risen in 4 years. The first chicks to reach independence are roosting away from their mums and feeding themselves, and two chicks have dropped their transmitters and are now “off-grid”. With the threat of deadly H5N1 bird flu looming, vet Lydia Uddstrom explains that about a quarter of the most genetically valuable kākāpō will be vaccinated against bird flu, especially on Whenua Hou, which has a large population of seabirds. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Island news with ranger Louise Porter 13:45 – Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu 17:28 - Vet Lydia Uddstrom on bird flu vaccinations 26:10 - How do kākāpō contract aspergillosis 27:37 - Are any kākāpō on display 28:20 - Frozen sperm 29:17 - How kākāpō use space 37:06 - Are kākāpō cuddly 38:00 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
34 min
Six months after this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season began, all 91 living chicks have fledged and left the nest. The chicks remain with their kākāpō mums and are still being fed by them, as well as eating a range of plant material, and as cold wet midwinter weather sets in the chicks are learning to find dry roost sites. The Kākāpō Team’s Daryl Eason and Andrew Digby answer listener questions, including why did Kākāpō cam star Rakiura spend so much time in the nest digging, what can you learn from a piece of egg shell, and could old museum specimens be a source of lost kākāpō genes? Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 02:06 – Island news with ranger Daniella Whitaker 06:21 – Update on Kākāpō Cam star Rakiura 11:43 – Sick kākāpō 15:19 - Are kākāpō smart? 18:19 - Previous nest cams 20:05 - Why did Rakiura dig so much in her nest? 24:00 - Do kākāpō compete with other species? 25:30 - Kākāpō on Coal Island and at Sanctuary Mountain Mangatautari 30:57 - Museum specimens and lost genes Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter Guests: Kākāpō ranger, Daniella Whitaker, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō technical advisor, Daryl Eason, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō science advisor, Andrew Digby References: Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
39 min
Half of the chicks from this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season have fledged and left their nests for good, but are still being fed by their mums. The tally of living chicks has dropped to 92 with the death of a chick from Te Kākahu/Chalky Island. Veterinary advisor Lydia Uddstrom reports that a 4-year-old female is being treated for cloacitis, a mysterious infection with no known cause that has infected a number of birds in the past few years. Kākāpō rangers give potted histories and breeding season updates for nine birds that are part of a symbolic adoption programme. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Vet Lydia Uddstrom with island news 06:24 - Adult female Tōrua treated for cloacitis 11:20 - Adoption birds 13:22 - JEM breeding season update 15:57 - Marama breeding season update 18:14 - Waikawa breeding season update 21:28 - Nora breeding season update 24:24 - Bluster Murphy breeding season update 27:05 - Sinbad breeding season update 29:55 - Kuia breeding season update 32:48 - Rahotu breeding season update 35:05 - Rangi rediscovered 37:50 - Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter Guests: Kākāpō veterinary advisor, Lydia Uddstrom, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō ranger, Jess Wagner, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō ranger, Sarah Little Kākāpō ranger, Theo Thompson References: … Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
33 min
The tally of confirmed living kākāpō chicks goes down with two further deaths, but gets a welcome boost with the confirmation of a living chick in a previously inaccessible nest. This brings the number of living chicks to 93, ranging in weight from 770 grams to nearly 2.5 kilograms. On all three kākāpō breeding islands, the oldest kākāpō chicks are fledging and leaving their nests. They are still accompanied and fed by their mothers, but find their own shelter. Before chicks leave the nest for good, kākāpō rangers visit to insert microchips as a permanent identification, and to attach transmitters that enable the Kākāpō Team to locate the chicks and monitor their activity levels remotely. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 02:34 – Big chick Huhū-A1 using a special ramp to leave the nest 05:23 – Ranger Petrus with the latest island news 06:44 - A chick is finally confirmed in Rimu’s cliff-top nest 10:09 - Two more of Waa’s chicks die so latest living chick tally is 93 11:46 - Update on Pearl-B3 and sick chicks 13:17 - Chick transmitters 19:55 - Tanē Davis on Ngāi Tahu’s relationship with kākāpō 27:35 - Vet Lydia Uddstrom and Vori’s story 32:34 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
36 min
Alison Ballance spends a week on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, one of three kākāpō breeding islands. She follows rangers from DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme as they go about their daily and nightly nest visits to check on the rapidly growing chicks. All but one of the 23 nests on Whenua Hou have just a single chick, as the rimu fruit has failed to ripen and kākāpō mums are relying on supplementary food to raise their chicks. During the week, the chick Queenie-A3 is found dead, and there is news from Pukenui/Anchor Island of another chick dying in a flash flood that swept through the nest. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:12 – Sick chick Pearl-B3 05:32 – Chick check at Suzanne’s nest 09:53 – Young male booming 11:18 – qPCR sex testing 14:11 – Chick check at Tiaka’s nest 17:44 - Dead chick Queenie-A3 20:16 - Nest controller and the ‘train station’ 24:18 – Supplementary feeding 27:25 – Chick dies in nest flood 29:05 – Heather’s nest check & closing thoughts 33:42 - Update on Pearl-B3 35:22 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
33 min
DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme says that the 2026 kākāpō breeding season is officially the biggest on record, and that all chicks have now hatched. At least 256 eggs were laid in 80 nests, of which at least 106 hatched. There are currently 99 chicks alive, three of which are being treated at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital for various health problems. The oldest chick, Tīwhiri-A1-2026, is 46-days old and weighs 1.8 kg, while the youngest chick, Awarua-A3-2026, weighs 26 grams at 2-days old. Operations manager Deidre Vercoe says that preliminary sexing results show that about 40 percent of the chicks are female, and that rangers are starting to give the older chicks a permanent microchip for identification. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – Deidre Vercoe with final nest and egg numbers 05:41 – Final chick hatching numbers 11:09 – Planning ahead 13:45 – Dunedin Wildlife Hospital vet Dr Lisa Argilla 20:32 – Rimu fruiting & its role in breeding 27.30 – Supplementary feeding on Whenua Hou 32:10 - Closing credits … Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
30 min
DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme is thrilled to announce the births of 101 kākāpō chicks, with a few more fertile eggs expected to hatch over the next few days. However, kākāpō conservation is a roller-coaster and seven chicks have died from illness or injury. Auckland Zoo vet Adam Naylor resuscitated one small chick using CPR and timely sutures saved the life of another; both patients recovered well and are back in the nest with their kākāpō mother or foster mother. Scientist Andrew Digby reports that egg fertility was similar on the two main breeding islands, Whenua Hou and Pukenui/Anchor Island, and that artificial insemination has had a significant positive effect, improving the fertility of eggs. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:02 - Death of male Matamua 02:21 – Auckland Zoo vet Adam Naylor on Kākāpō ER 09:03 - Sarah Manktelow with egg and chick updates 13:32 – Chicks in hospital 16:43 – Updates on Alison, Queenie & Cyndy, & Tiwhiri-A1 21:58 - Andrew Digby on egg fertility across islands 26:24 - AI has improved fertility of eggs 29:58 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
31 min
The number of kākāpō chicks has climbed to 54, with plenty more fertile eggs still to hatch on Whenua Hou and Pukenui/Anchor Island. Remote monitoring technology shows that seven kākāpō mums on Te Kakahu/Chalky Island are likely raising chicks as well. DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme is using a genetic ranking system to prioritise how much management attention each chick receives – Kākāpō Cam star Rakiura, for instance, is foster mum to a silver chick and also a gold chick. The oldest chick, Tiwhiri-A1, is ranked gold and a ground-breaking new portable PCR that allows rapid sex-testing of chicks on the islands has shown that he is a male. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 - Maddy Whittaker with egg and chick updates 03:50 – Males are stopping booming 08:00 – Rimu fruit ripening 08:40 – Chick and hatching deaths 09:30 – Updates on Alison, Queenie & Cyndy, & Tiwhiri-A1 14:46 - Andrew Digby on genetic ranking system for chicks 21:20 – Sex-testing chicks using PCR 25:25 – Alyssa Salton with kākāpō egg 101 29:58 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
21 min
Fourteen kākāpō chicks have hatched in wild nests, where they are being cared for by mums and foster mums. More than a hundred viable fertile eggs have already been laid, with more expected in the next couple of weeks. On Whenua Hou, fertile eggs are cared for in incubators to keep them safe and are returned to nests to hatch. DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme has placed a Smart Egg in the nest of Kākāpō Cam star Rakiura, to alert her to the imminent arrival of a pipping egg whose hatching should delight the many fans watching the live video feed. Pukenui/Anchor Island is home to the most kākāpō chicks so far but kākāpō rangers expect Whenua Hou to catch up soon. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:15 – Night-time visit to Rakiura’s nest 07:26 - The egg room 11:43 - Seabird danger to eggs 13:05 - Smart Eggs 14:54 – Nest and egg updates 20:20 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
19 min
The first chick of the 2026 kākāpō breeding season has successfully hatched on Pukenui/Anchor Island. DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme reports that Tiwhiri-A1-2026 hatched in foster mother Yasmine’s nest on 14 February 2026 and is the first kākāpō chick in four years. Huhū-A1-2026 is due to hatch on Whenua Hou imminently. Sixty-two kākāpō nests have been found so far and the egg tally is nearly 200, of which 78 are known to be fertile. More eggs are expected. Alison Ballance visits Whenua Hou, meets some of the kākāpō rangers and reports on the technology that enables the Kākāpō Team to conduct 24-hour surveillance on each bird. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:50 - First chick hatches 04:28 – Nest and egg updates 06:26 – Kākāpō technology 07:26 – Nest tech 11:22 - The train station 13:32 - Nest controller 16:09 - Morning updates 18:28 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
9 min
Almost 90% of adult female kākāpō of breeding age have mated so far this breeding season, and two thirds of those are nesting. Some birds have already laid a full clutch of eggs and while some clutches are 100% fertile, others are - as expected - unfortunately infertile. To date there are 55 fertile kākāpō eggs, and that number grows daily as kākāpō rangers find nests and are able to check the developing eggs. Alison Ballance checks in from Whenua Hou, where technical advisor Daryl Eason is nearing the end of the artificial insemination programme. He is excited that a ‘lost’ female has been found and wonders if she is also nesting. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:02 – Nest and egg updates 05:43 – A ‘lost’ bird is refound 08:00 – Waikawa, layer of fertile eggs 08:38 - Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date Watch the livestreaming kākāpō nest cam of Rakiura on her nest Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter Guests: Technical advisor, Daryl Eason, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
15 min
More than three-quarters of female kākāpō of breeding age have mated so far, and the number of nests is growing rapidly. Kākāpō operations manager Deidre Vercoe tells Alison Ballance that 101 eggs have been laid to date, and while it is early days 38 eggs are known to be fertile. As always, infertile eggs are a major problem, although science advisor Andrew Digby explains that recent research shows that many eggs are in fact fertilised but die in the first day or two. And Deidre says that the Kākāpō Recovery Programme takes threats such as the fungal disease aspergillosis, failure of the rimu fruit to ripen and the possible arrival of highly pathogenic bird flu in New Zealand very seriously. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:57 – Mating update 03.28 – Nesting update and 101 eggs 09:13 – Bird of the Week: Kākāpō Cam star Rakiura 10:34 – Egg infertility 12:12 – Threats including aspergillosis and bird flu 14:15 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
21 min
The 2026 kākāpō breeding season is all systems go: nearly half of the females of breeding age have mated and so far 15 females are nesting. Technical Advisor Daryl Eason talks about record-breaking female Ongaonga who, at 4 years-old, is the youngest female kākāpō ever to breed. There are plenty of other first-time breeders as well. Six females were successfully inseminated with sperm from under-represented males. Ranger Maddy Whitaker updates us with the latest numbers, including a single fertile egg so far, and tech expert Jake Osborne introduces the kākāpō nest cam, beaming live from Rakiura’s nest on Whenua Hou. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:25 - Youngest female to mate 04:53 - Daryl Eason on Artificial insemination progress 09:17 - Maddy Whittaker with mating and nesting updates 16:00 - Jake Osborne on the kākāpō nest cam 20:32 - Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
16 min
There have been 24 kākāpō matings so far, and the number is increasing as mating action heats up on all three breeding islands. Deidre Vercoe, from the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, tells Alison Ballance that some 7-year-old birds from the 2019 breeding season have mated for the first time. The first female to mate this season, Pearl, has laid infertile eggs, but nightly activity monitoring shows that three more females have started nesting. Technical Advisor Daryl Eason talks about the under-achievers, founder kākāpō that either haven’t bred at all or have produced only a few chicks. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – Mating updates 03:06 - Nesting updates 06:27 - Artificial insemination progress 10:40 - Male under-achievers 14:09 - Female under-achievers 15:26 - Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date. Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari . For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter . Guests: Andrew Digby, Science Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Daryl Eason, Technical Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
21 min
Early bird Pearl has laid the first eggs of the 2026 kākāpō breeding season but Kākāpō Recovery Programme science advisor Andrew Digby tells Alison Ballance that it’s too soon to know if they are fertile. Youngsters Huhū and Hondy are the third pair to mate on Whenua Hou, and Heather and Bluster Murphy are the fourth. Hine Taumai and Henry are the first to mate on Anchor Island. Technical advisor Daryl Eason explains the use of artificial insemination (AI), and we find out why it is a useful genetics tool and what the AI team are up to in the field. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Mating updates 08.48 – Discussion about using artificial insemination (AI) 15:28 – Andrew reports on the first AI efforts for this breeding season. 20:51 – Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date. Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari . For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter . Guests: Andrew Digby, Science Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Daryl Eason, Technical Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
14 min
It’s the New Year and we’re in the early days of a big kākāpō breeding season. Daryl Eason from the Kākāpō Team tells Alison Ballance that Esperance and Ian are the second kākāpō to mate, and he expects that any minute now there will be plenty more birds mating. The kākāpō population drops to 236 birds. Science advisor Andrew Digby explains why every living kākāpō has had its genome sequenced, and what genes can reveal – including why some kākāpō have olive feathers and others are bright green. And we meet over-achievers Flossie and Blades. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Daryl Eason with news of the second mating of the season, what Pearl is up to and a death 05:10 – Andrew Digby talks genomes and feather colour 12:10 – Super breeders Flossie and Blades 14:08 - Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date. Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari . For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter . Guests: Andrew Digby, Science Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Daryl Eason, Technical Advisor, Kākāpō Recovery Programme Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
17 min
It’s nearly the New Year and we’re counting down to the start of a big kākāpō breeding season. Island ranger Maddy Whittaker tells Alison Ballance that Pearl and Boss are the first kākāpō to mate. Deidre Vercoe, operations manager for the Kākāpō Team, explains that kākāpō mums on Whenua Hou will get wrap-round support, while management on Anchor Island and Te Kakahu/Chalky Island will be more hands-off. Scientist Andrew Digby talks about the role of technology in making this possible, and digs into the kākāpō’s boring gut microbiome. Technical advisor Daryl Eason introduces founder female Margaret-Maree, matriarch of a lineage with five living generations. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:53 – Kākāpō ranger Maddy Whittaker with news that Pearl and Boss on Whenua Hou are the first kākāpō to mate. 06:02 – Operations Manager of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme Deidre Vercoe explains that kākāpō mums on Whenua Hou will get wrap-round support, while management on Anchor Island and Te Kakahu / Chalky Island will be more hands-off. 10:08 – Science Advisor Andrew Digby talks about the role of technology and the kākāpō’s dull microbiome. 13:24 – Technical Advisor Daryl Eason introduces Margaret-Maree, matriarch of a dynasty with five living generations. 16:18 – Closing credits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
17 min
It’s the summer solstice and we are waiting for kākāpō breeding to begin. Alison Ballance chats with island ranger Maddy Whittaker, who reports that on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island all the male kākāpō are in full voice, booming all night to attract the females, who haven’t shown any interest yet. The action hasn’t yet ramped up on Anchor Island. Alison also meets three key people from the Kākāpō Team, and hears about their first-ever kākāpō encounters. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 00:42 – Kākāpō ranger Maddy Whittaker with updates on what the male birds are up to on the islands 05:09 – Technical Officer Daryl Eason talks about his first kākāpō encounter and what makes these birds so unique 09:41 – Operations Manager of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme Deidre Vercoe remembers her first kākāpō meeting 13:44 – Science Advisor Andrew Digby talks about meeting his first kākāpō 16:00 – Daryl Eason predicts when the breeding season might begin… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
26 min
The Kākāpō Files returns for a second season, to follow everyone’s favourite parrot through what is predicted to be the biggest breeding season on record. Host Alison Ballance and Our Changing World’s Claire Concannon chat about what exactly is a kākāpō, discuss the conservation history of this endangered bird through the life story of two kākāpō, and discover just how big this breeding season might be. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz In this episode: 00:00 – What is a kākāpō and how rare are they? 06:32 – Kākāpō names, from Zephyr to Acheron, and a brief conservation history 14:29 – Rimu masting and the 2026 breeding season 22:25 – Kākāpō trivia 24:12 – Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date. Want to start the new series prepared with all the backstory? Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Then listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season , and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari . For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter . Guests: Claire Concannon, Our Changing World References: “Kākāpō: Rescued from the Brink of Extinction” by Alison Ballance (published 2018) Kākāpō Files is made in collaboration with the Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
1 min
In 2019 Alison Ballance followed the bumpy, rollercoaster ride that was the kākāpō breeding season. Now she returns, six years on, to do it all over again. We'll meet familiar characters, of both the human and bird kind, as well as new faces. Will the chicks born in 2019 start to breed? How will the team fare with a more hands-off approach? Will the deadly aspergillosis that surfaced in 2019 return? And with the rimu mast predicted to be big, could this be the most successful breeding season yet? First episode drops 16th December. Don't miss it. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details