Kiavahnie

Kiavahnie was banded in Arthur's Pass during March 2026 as a fledgling. He came into the village with about 25 other young kea and stayed around for a few weeks then flew away, probably after the alpine fruits that were abundant at the time. This kea was named by the students at Southbridge Primary School. The students all put in their name suggestions and the name Kiavahnie got the most votes. This name actually belongs to one of the children's cousins who is around 2 years old. The children thought that it suited the 'kea' name and thought it would be really cute. The characteristics of the kea (bird) are an exact replica of little Kia's - extremely curious, bright, very mischievous and cheeky! The students and whanau have found it to be a huge honour that this juvenile kea is named after their cheeky wee Kia.