A survey suggests a rise in the kiwi population in the Ruahine range near Taihape is due to a larger sample size as well and pest erradication.
The survey done by the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic recorded 29 birds this year compared to only four birds - four years ago.
The Department of Conservation says more listening posts to track the birds have been set up in the sample area which covered more than 50km.
Field officer Nobby Robson says the increase could also be linked to the setting of more than 500 traps to catch stoats, rats and weasels.
