Social Benefits

A predator proof boundary fence to protect kiwi, and one of the many community groups helping to save New Zealand's national icon

Efforts to save kiwi also benefit people by bringing communities together and creating employment.

A study funded by WWF-New Zealand (2007) found that ecological restoration projects, such as kiwi groups, often have unexpected and significant social and economic benefits.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

One example is the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, a mainland island in the middle of Wellington city, managed by a community trust. Sanctuary work has established a predator-proof fence around the former water supply reserve, eliminated animal pests, restored habitat and reintroduced a number of threatened species, including little spotted kiwi.

When the little spotted kiwi were reintroduced in 2000, it was the first time the species had been on mainland New Zealand since their extinction in 1875. So far, 40 birds have been released.

Social and economic benefits

The WWF-New Zealand study reports that, in 2007, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary provided social and economic benefits well beyond just habitat and species restoration:

12 jobs (11 full-time and 1 part-time) had been created, as well as casual summer employment.
Demand for overnight accommodation in the city had increased as a result of night tours to view kiwi at the sanctuary.
A local bed and breakfast business had been set up, using the sanctuary in its promotional material.
Less physically abled people have increased access to the valley, thanks to improved vehicle access and new walking tracks.
Possum control and improved weed control had benefited owners of neighbouring gardens.

As well, residents bordering the santuary had widened and strengthened their local networks by becoming involved in the extensive volunteer programme.

Some challenges

Community conservation groups also face challenges, not least how to sustain their enthusiasm and energy over the long term.

A report funded by the New Zealand Landcare Trust and BNZ Save the Kiwi highlighted that community groups depend on voluntary input and short-term funding, and that makes long-term planning difficult and uncertain. As well, group members can be overwhelmed by the amount of work, and may lack the needed skills.

Among the solutions identified were:

Multi-year funding.
Funding for a wider range of activities.
Better technical support and guidance.
Better communication and co-ordination between funders.

Kiwi Recovery Group

The Kiwi Recovery Group provides technical advice to support field workers.

Success Stories

Find out about the actions, research and education programmes helping save kiwi.

Report Signs of Kiwi

Help kiwi researchers by reporting any kiwi sign or calls.

Did You Know?

Kiwi are known as an ‘honorary mammal’ because of their many un-bird-like characteristics. For example, while most bird bones are light and hollow, to help them fly, kiwi bones are heavy and filled with marrow, like a mammal.