Skip to content

Site Menu

Native animals

Kiwi

North Island brown kiwi. Photo: Rod Morris.

North Island brown kiwi

The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon and unofficial national emblem. New Zealanders have been "Kiwis" since the days of the First World War. It's a nickname bestowed by fellow Australian soldiers, and it stuck. Today our identity as "Kiwis" is based around our national bird.

Facts about kiwi

Did you know kiwi live in pairs and mate for life? Learn lots of kiwi facts in this section.

Threats to kiwi

Because kiwi are flightless they are particularly vulnerable to introduced predators, including the family cat or dog. Learn about the threats kiwi face around the country.

DOC's work with kiwi

Learn about DOC's strategy for preserving kiwi.

You can help kiwi

Find out how you can help to save the kiwi.

Highlights:

White kiwi chick caps bumper breeding season

The most successful kiwi breeding season in the history of New Zealand's national wildlife centre has ended on an extraordinary note with the surprise hatching of a white kiwi chick.

Kiwi song sound recordings

Listen to or download recordings of kiwi song.

Kiwi videos

View videos about kiwi.

Find out more

Publications

Reports and publications about kiwi
Tree planting for attracting native birds

Learn more

BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust website
Information about funding applications for kiwi conservation organisations

Kiwi House and Native Bird Park website, Otorohanga, New Zealand

Have your dog kwi aversion trained - BNZ Save the Kiwi website

Kiwi recovery at Pukaha Mount Bruce

Rimutaka Forest Park Trust website - reintroducing kiwi to Rimutaka Forest Park

Contacts

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings