The tīeke or North Island saddleback have finally returned to the mainland.

This noisy, feisty, beautiful New Zealand bird, smaller relative of the kokako and huia, once widespread across the North Island, was wiped out by introduced predators by the late 1800s, surviving at one point on only a single offshore island.

However, on May 26, their distinctive sound returned to Whangaparāoa as 40 tīeke arrived from Tiritiri Matangi Island to their new home in the Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They will soon be joined by a further 10 tieke from the Tāwharanui population established in 2012.

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Shakespear Regional Park, sitting at the end of the Whangaparāoa peninsula, is New Zealand's most visible and accessible open sanctuary. Auckland Council has worked with community partner Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) and included landowners NZ Defence Force and Watercare to ensure the habitat is predator free and suitable as a safe haven for threatened, native wildlife such as the tīeke.

Albany Ward Councillor Wayne Walker says the release is a milestone for Shakespear Regional Park and the efforts of many to conserve our native species.

Supplied Councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson at the saddleback release.

"Tīeke are a vulnerable reminder of our past and a sign of a pest free future," he said.

"We're delighted Aucklanders can now experience more of our precious natural heritage and experience what a pest free future might look and sound like."

Fellow Councillor John Watson agrees and says many people are now keenly watching to see how they take to their new environment.

"These birds can live up to 21 years on our predator-free off-shore islands," says Watson.

"So we're all hoping they do just as well here in their new mainland neighborhood," he says.

More about tīeke, according to Auckland Council:

The tīeke are known for their gutsy spirit and distinctive bird call, with their chirpy conversations lasting throughout the day – surprisingly loud and chatty for such a small bird!

Generally found foraging on the forest floor, the species are poor fliers which made them easy prey for introduced predators arriving in New Zealand.

The birds are also significant in Māori lore, with legend telling that their back's distinctive orange 'saddles' were caused by the demi-god Maui.

Made thirsty by the heat of the sun, Maui asked the tīeke to fetch him some water but the bird ignored him. This irritated Maui and he seized the bird with his hot hands, singing the feathers on its back.

Head out to Shakespear to catch a glimpse – or hear a lot – of the tīeke.

Find out more about Pest Free Auckland here.