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How the South Island Kokako may look Photo: South Island kokakoCharitable Trust. Original image of Nth Island Kokako by Tara Swan. Creative touches by Oscar Thomas and Geoff Reid.
For over 40 years, Rhys Buckingham has been in search of the bird that doesn't want to be found.
The orange-wattled South Island kōkako, also dubbed the 'grey ghost' is assumed to be extinct by the Department of Conservation, with no confirmed reports.
But throughout the years enthusiasts have largely remained hopeful with some possible sightings and recordings of the bird's organ-like call.
And thanks to funding from Re:wild, an American Conservation project, the search continues. Rhys is a founder of the The South Island Kōkako trust.
Caples team, Rhys Buckingham (second from the right),1983 Photo: Supplied