In December 2021, a four-year conservation project began on Kāpiti Island to save its dwindling tītī (sooty shearwater) (Ardenna grisea) population. While tītī are not endangered nationally, their colony on Kāpiti is near the point of collapse — a major concern for local iwi, for whom the species is a taonga (treasure), and for the island’s ecological health.
The decline is thought to be driven by predation from weka (Gallirallus australis), another treasured native bird, which dig into tītī burrows to eat chicks. This loss not only impacts the tītī population but also disrupts the nutrient cycle and biodiversity of the island’s ecosystem.
WildArk, alongside Kāpiti Ice Cream, is partnering with the Department of Conservation to support research that will:
This collaborative “e rua ngā takere” (two hulls) approach blends Western science with indigenous wisdom, ensuring conservation outcomes honour both ecological needs and cultural heritage.
By the project’s completion, the aim is to restore a healthy, self-sustaining tītī colony on Kāpiti Island, strengthening its role as a vital seabird stronghold and cultural taonga — and helping to preserve the island’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
‘Where Nature meets Indulgence’
The philosophy behind Kāpiti and its commitment to excellence remains the same. Taking the purest ingredients inspired by the natural environment found at the bottom of the earth, creating amazing ice cream that will take you on an incredible journey from first to the last bite.
