The Whakatane kiwi recovery project is nationally significant because kiwi are breeding successfully so close to an urban area.

Visiting Whakatane last week, the executive director of the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust, Kieron Goodwin, hailed the project as a developing flagship.

“What began as a very small hope for kiwi here is becoming a very important message in terms of what can be achieved with dedication. Just a few years ago a single kiwi was heard in the Ohope Scenic Reserve, now there are 20,” says Kieron Goodwin.

The Whakatane Kiwi Project is special because the birds live adjacent to a highly populated urban centre and are not only surviving but breeding well.

“The amount of predator control that has been occurring in the reserve shows how threatened these kiwi really are. The people that live near there can contribute hugely to helping protect kiwi by being aware of the danger of predators including cats and dogs and helping support the Department of Conservation in its efforts,” Mr Goodwin says.

Community interest is a key factor in sustaining the project’s success and is proving its worth in other kiwi protection work around New Zealand.

“We’re seeing a huge increase in community groups wanting to be involved in projects such as Whakatane and the Trust is very keen to promote this. So much more can be achieved if everyone takes an interest in looking out for our national bird.”

Discussions are continuing about development of a community kiwi conservation group in Whakatane.

“Together with the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust, we are looking forward to working with local communities to help kiwi thrive in their natural habitat,” says DOC spokesperson Sioux Campbell.

Department of Conservation staff are also particularly keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have heard kiwi in or around the area. They should get in touch with the Whakatane field centre directly if so.

DOC kiwi information:

Paul Jansen – Phone: (04) 471 3236 or 025 410 026