Kōkako release in Parininihi forest

The last kōkako was removed from the Parininihi forest about 20 years ago. Photo supplied

Volunteers are briefed on the day's activities. Photo Robin Martin

Volunteers have their boots disinfected before entering the bush. Photo Robin Martin

Conservation consultant Dr Kevin Parker briefs the volunteers before heading into the bush. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

A volunteer makes it over the first ridge with a kōkako box. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Volunteers trek into the Parininihi forest with the kōkako. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Volunteers take a break on the long trek into the Parininihi forest with the kōkako. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Bird boxes waiting to be taken to the release site. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Rob Jager general manager of Shell Todd Oil Services takes a turn carrying one of the kōkako boxes. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Parininihi Waipingau is the largest uninterrupted coastal forest in the North Island. Photo supplied

Kōkako released into the Parininihi forest. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

One of the kōkako released into the Parininihi forest. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Tiaki Te Mauri O Parininihi Trust kōkako project manager Conrad O'Carroll. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin

Tiritiri Matangi kōkako team leader Morag Fordham. Photo Robin Martin

Tiaki Te Mauri O Parininihi Trust kōkako project manager Conrad O'Carroll and Tiritiri Matangi kōkako team leader Morag Fordham. Photo Robin Martin

Alex Flux was part of the team which caught Tamanui 18 years ago. Photo Robin Martin