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Populations of the forest-dwelling and flightless Kiwi are declining in New Zealand, and recovery programmes are in place throughout the country. Any of these programmes can be threatened by a single dog on the loose. Dogs will easily scent the Kiwi’s distinctive musky odour and can kill the bird simply by holding it in their mouth.

Northland in particular still has a strong population of kiwi – many of  them on private land. Local groups are working hard to provide safe environments for kiwi and remain concerned that more tracks and walkers will bring more dogs to the area. The average age of kiwi in most parts of New Zealand is around 50 years. In Northland, predation by dogs has reduced the average age of kiwi to just 13 years.

Te Araroa Trust is working closely in the north with the BNZ Save the Kiwi programme and Northland Kiwi Landcare to ensure that trampers do not endanger kiwi. We support a no-dog policy in sensitive areas and erect signage in these places warning of the dangers.  Those wishing to use Te Araroa tracks that enter kiwi habitats must leave their dogs at home.

Even beyond these specified kiwi zones, dog owners can help Northland’s kiwi recovery work by keeping good control of their dogs. Kiwis can travel for miles and will often hole up in long grass, pampas, tussock, a pile of dead branches or a stump. They can even be found in paddocks, on beaches or roadside verges.

Because of the absence of flight muscles to protect their chest bones, the kiwi’s chest is easily crushed, and even a non-aggressive dog, in picking the bird up, can kill it.

People wanting to know more can check out  www.savethekiwi.org.nz.

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