As New Zealanders we are proud of our kiwi icon but how many of us stop and think about how vulnerable the future of our feathered kiwi friend really is in the Western Bay of Plenty?
“Experts fear the kiwi may soon become extinct in the Western Bay with current numbers possibly being as low as 15. That being said there is much hope and opportunities to make a difference when a community comes together to help,” said Department of Conservation (DOC) spokesperson Dave Wills.
Such was the case when passionate community members and the Te Puke branch of Forest & Bird, joined forces in 2002 to form the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust near Te Puke. The Trust works in partnership, as part of Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery, with DOC who provides technical advice and support.
The key aims of the Trust are to protect and restore the remaining kiwi population within the Otanewainuku Forest and to undertake pest control to benefit all native wildlife within this area.
The Trust has already taken many steps to improve the chance of kiwi survival in Otanewainuku. Stoat traps are in place covering 700 hectares and are regularly monitored by volunteers to reduce stoat numbers. Plans are underway to expand this area and ultimately cover the whole of Otanewainuku mountain. Funding has recently been received from the Environment Bay of Plenty Environmental Enhancement Fund to place rat traps over the 700 hectare area. To aid the Trusts efforts DOC have recently employed a professional hunter to remove all wild pigs from this area of forest.
“The control of stoats and rats will have a significant impact on chick survival. Kiwi are most vulnerable during their first six months and by reducing predator numbers before each kiwi breeding season, gives them a fighting chance. It is therefore hoped that Otanewainuku could become a key safe haven in the future for kiwi in the Western Bay,” said Dave.
Alongside the positive work of the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust we can all make a contribution. Now that this is a designated kiwi area we can all play a role in keeping our domestic pets away from the bush. Dogs and cats can have devastating impacts on our kiwi. For those with spare time volunteers are always required to check trap lines and help out with a whole host of tasks in Otanewainuku. The Trust is holding an open day on the 27th February, if you would like to join please contact Carole Long on +64 7 542 0224.
You can assist too by advising DOC of any kiwi whereabouts. This way a clearer picture of the numbers and whereabouts of kiwi can be formed. If you would like to do this or know more about the kiwi recovery programme please contact Dave Wills at the Tauranga DOC office on +64 7 578 7677.