Deidre Vercoe: Department of Conservation Kakapo Recovery Manager on breeding season starting

Deidre Vercoe: Department of Conservation Kakapo Recovery Manager on breeding season starting

Author: Newstalk ZB January 6, 2026 Duration: 3:39

Conservationists are expecting a lot of breeding action from threatened kakapo over the next month.  

The nocturnal, flightless parrots reproduce in tune with rimu, which have a mast season of extra growth every three or four years. 

The Department of Conservation says there are 83 breeding-aged females this season, up from 55. 

Kakapo Recovery Manager Deidre Vercoe told Andrew Dickens this year's mast is looking great. 

She says this is when there is more fruit on the tree, and this year they have the most in 28 years. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Even when the office is closed and the routine is broken, the world keeps turning. Holiday Breakfast from Newstalk ZB is the companion for those mornings when you’re sipping coffee somewhere other than your usual spot-whether that’s a campground, a beach house, or simply your own backyard with the alarm clock off. This podcast understands that being away from the daily grind doesn’t mean you want to disconnect from what’s happening. Instead, it delivers a concise, engaging digest of the essential news and spirited discussion you’d expect from Newstalk ZB, but crafted for the pace of a break. You’ll hear informed perspectives and analysis on the stories shaping New Zealand and the world, all designed to fit into a quieter morning. It’s about staying in the loop without being tied to a desk, offering a blend of information and thoughtful opinion to kickstart your day, no matter where you’ve woken up. Tune in for a listen that feels like a conversation with a well-informed friend, ensuring Kiwis never have to choose between being relaxed and being well-informed.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Holiday Breakfast
Podcast Episodes