Nene form life-long monogamous pairs, and sometimes trios consisting of one male and two females. Both sexes can reach reproductive maturity in their first year, but females usually mate at two or three years of age. The nene is the only goose species in the Northern Hemisphere to nest during the winter months of October through March. Nests are constructed on the ground, concealed under low shrubs. Incubation is solely by the female and takes 28 to 30 days.
Males guard the nest by perching on nearby boulders or high ground.
At hatching, goslings weigh between 90 - 105 grams. Nene goslings take flight, or fledge , at about 8 weeks of age. The life span of wild nene may be up to 32 years or more. Nene are very social birds, and parental care is prolonged. They may travel in family groups for the first year, usually dispersing when the parents nest again.