Dr. Danielle Shanahan, manager of conservation and research at Zealandia, announces the impending arrival of the breeding pair of Takahe.

A new couple is moving to Karori's Zealandia Ecosanctuary, to help boost the local population of an endangered bird.

Zealandia has announced a new breeding pair of takahe will be released into the sanctuary next Monday, if weather allows.

The birds, Nio and Orbell, who are 14 and 17-years-old respectively, are retiring from their spot on Mana Island to make way for younger birds, and moving to Zealandia to enjoy their twilight years manager of conservation and research Dr Danielle Shanahan said.

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF A takahe spotted at Zealandia earlier this year.

That did not mean their mating days were over, and it was expected they would breed again.

READ MORE:

* Takahe from Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary dies unexpectedly

* Takahe chick brings new hope of survival

* Lone Takahe finds a friend

* Takahe move to the big smoke

"There is every possibility they could bread at Zealandia this summer, which is incredible news for Wellington and our ongoing success in conservation."

The takahe have been together since 2013, and had four chicks together. Orbell was named after Geoffrey Orbell, who rediscovered the bird in 1948 when they were thought to be extinct.

Creating the space on the island would free it up for younger, more productive birds, Shanahan said.

It was hoped Nio's daughter would take the territory on Mana Island the takahe were leaving.

Having the breeding pair relocated to Zealandia would be great for advocacy for the birds, and once they'd settled into their new home they should be relatively easy to spot, Shanahan said.

T2, an old male takahe living at Zealandia who lost his mate Puffin a few weeks ago, would be moved further back in the sanctuary to a quieter spot.

While Nio and Orbell would spend a little while settling in, if they were going to have chicks it could be in the next couple of months.

"They're starting to fluff their eyelashes at each other," said Shanahan.

It is estimated there are only 300 of the endangered takahe left.