Vision:
         To achieve a self-sustaining population of Taiko and return the species to its primeval status.
 

   A strategic plan has been developed based on the 2000 - 2010 Chatham Island Recovery Plan accepted by the Chatham Island Recovery Group in April 1998.
   The major effort being in the development of a secure breeding ground at Sweetwater to encourage returning Taiko to breed at this safe site.
   Chatham Island Taiko Expedition will continue to work in partnership with the New Zealand Department of Conservation in locating further burrows using radio telemetry.

Current and Projected Research

a)   Locating breeding burrows with the use of radio telemetry.  Successfully used since 1985 in partnership with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
   Period will be September till January alternate years from 2001 onwards.

b)   Monitoring the departure of the fledglings from the breeding colony using the radio telemetry tracking system.  Fledglings will be monitored safely to sea, fledglings from unknown burrows will be attracted to the light site for banding and to collect vital data on the species.
   Period:  April - May annually.

c)   Development of a secure breeding area in the Sweetwater Covenant protected by Bruce and Liz Tuanui on the Southwest coast of the Chatham Island.  The predator free enclosure will be modeled on the successful Karori Wildlife Sanctuary.

d)   Monitoring the nocturnal behavior of Taiko off the Point Gap - Otauwe Coast area.  Radio telemetric tracking and historical anecdotal evidence indicates much aerial activity in this region.  Using night vision audio and infra-red technology, nocturnal observations will be monitored.  Concurrently the developments at the predator free enclosure will be recorded.
   Period:   September till January annually.

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