Rangers at the National Wildlife Centre near the Tararua National Park remain optimistic about breeding takahē, despite two eggs - the first laid in more than two decades - not producing any chicks.
Photo: RNZ
The centre has two resident takahē on-site - a male, Natural, and a female, Fomi.
They have been living together at the centre since May, having been brought together after Fomi's former companion, Bud, died of old age.
In October a ranger at the centre discovered a takahē egg - the first discovered at the centre in more than 20 years.
It was surprise to rangers as both Natural and Fomi were considered past breeding age, despite sparks flying between the pair from the moment they were introduced.
After the egg had incubated for a month, a ranger who was monitoring it checked the birds' nest and discovered not one, but two takahē eggs - but neither of them contained chicks.
The centre's conservation manager Todd Jenkinson said they were disappointed, but hoped the birds would give parenthood another shot.
"These takahē eggs at Pukaha are still a symbol of the full circle of takahē breeding at Pukaha. We are hopeful that the pair will give it another go."