Brown kiwi living in the Glory Cove Scenic Reserve on Stewart Island/Rakiura will gain further protection this week through the introduction of bylaws by the Department of Conservation. The bylaws have been introduced to reduce the level of disturbance to the kiwi, by limiting public access to the site at night to permit holders only and prohibiting camping in two parts of the reserve. The bylaws come into effect on the 12 May 2005.

“We’ve had to do this for the kiwis sake”, said Southern Islands Area Manager Andy Roberts. “The site had become too popular with people wanting to see a kiwi, that it was starting the stress out and harm the local kiwi. So we’ve reached a compromise between the humans and the kiwis, to protect the kiwi in the long term”.

From Friday, Glory Cove Scenic Reserve will be closed to the public after 6 pm at night. Access to the site at night will be limited to permit holders only, and no camping will be allowed within 200 metres of the track or within 200 metres of Ocean Beach. DOC will put up signs at the reserve informing visitors of the restrictions and information will be provided at the Stewart Island Visitor Centre.

“A big problem was peoples behaviour around the kiwi at Glory Cove”, said Andy Roberts. “Kiwi have been subjected to spotlighting, the presence of dogs and people handling them. All such activities are illegal and we hope that the bylaws and the improved signage and information will improve the publics understanding of access to the reserve and reduce these impacts on the kiwi”.

“There is also mutual benefit for conservation and the islands eco-tourism opportunities through the introduction of the bylaws”, said Andy Roberts.

Bravo Adventure Tours operator Phillip Smith agrees with the creation of the bylaws, saying “Sometimes people get a bit enthusiastic when they come across the birds and others actually go hunting them out. Kiwi hate bright lights and the flash photography really get to them. Any measures to ensure the stability of the birds environment, is beneficial both to conservation and people being allowed to view them. It is important to the Stewart Island Community, that the natural attractions for which visitors come to the island are given the necessary protection” said Phillip Smith.

Kiwi can be found at several places on Stewart Island. So, if you are interested in seeing one just ask the Stewart Island Visitor Centre for more information.

For more information please contact:
Andy Roberts at the Department of Conservation
Tel: +64 3 214 7512, Email: aroberts@doc.govt.nz.

Background information is available on  the Department of Conservation website at this link.