Ohiwa resident stoked to hear kiwi call
Date: 24 June 2008
The Whakatane Kiwi Project (WKP) is delighted to learn that kiwi calls have been heard by Ohiwa resident, Pete McLaren.
"I did some kiwi call training with the Project during March and since then I've been keeping an ear out, as it were for these special little birds" said Pete. "I remember hearing them call years ago when I first moved to Ohiwa Loop Road, but had not heard them since I moved back to my property a few years back. There are so many other birds calling at night, that it is easy to get confused. I thought I'd get properly trained to make sure I know what I'm listening to.
"I was stoked to hear a male kiwi call just the other night - within 200 metres of my property! I realise that as a landowner, near the bush, the most effective thing I can do to protect kiwi is to lock my dogs up at night. I'll definitely be taking my dogs along to the kiwi aversion training happening this Saturday."
Tansy Bliss, Project Manager for the WKP reiterates Pete's words. "It is really important that dogs are not left to roam at night, as kiwi are now known to live in small patches of bush close to habitation. Pete's fantastic find is the latest example.
"By tying your dogs up at night and sending them through kiwi aversion training every 12 months you are helping protect our dwindling national icon" Tansy said.
This Saturday, 28 June, between 9am and 2pm, the Whakatane Kiwi Trust is sponsoring a kiwi aversion training day for dogs (both domestic and hunting) and their owners. For a gold coin donation (usually $25 per dog) you can help protect our region's kiwi. The training will be held at the Whitehouse Café (corner of SH 38 and the Tauranga turn off) and bookings should be made by calling +64 7 307 0611 as spaces are limited.