Critically endangered giant wētā moved to Waikato sanctuary
Wednesday 27 August 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Department of Conservation
Nearly 200 Māhoenui giant wētā have been transferred from the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. This move from a breeding programme aims to protect the critically endangered species, which is one of the world's largest insects.