The worldwide attention of the Bird of the Century could create a miracle.
Conservation teams warn climate change and household pets are to blame.
Plastic dolphins and whales were filled with water to become "life-weight" for the training.
"We are called the extinction capital of the world for good reason."
It's taken years of work, a huge volunteer effort and support from the 20,000 locals.
The last time a weasel was found in the sanctuary was in 2019.
Gold clams, an invasive pest, can clog water pipes and hydro dams, and overrun native species.
Introduced to Aotearoa in the 1800s for the fur trade, we now spend $150 million every year to eradicate them.
Experts warn that the birds won't always run and often stand still as a defence mechanism.
