DOC's work with kiwi
The Department of Conservation's overarching goal is to protect kiwi in the wild. The strategy for achieving this is fourfold:
- to undertake predator control in kiwi habitat;
- to raise chicks in captivity and release them into the wild when they are able to defend themselves from stoats and cats;
- ongoing research into genetics, breeding, habitat requirements, monitoring techniques and pest control methods;
- seeking help from the community and businesses, especially in areas where kiwi are found on private and production land.
Kiwi sanctuaries
In 2000, the Department of Conservation set up five kiwi sanctuaries focused on developing methods to protect kiwi and to increase their numbers. There are three kiwi sanctuaries in the North Island and two in the South Island:
- Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary (Northland brown kiwi)
- Moehau Kiwi Sanctuary on the Coromandel Peninsula (Coromandel brown kiwi)
- Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary near Taupo (western brown kiwi)
- Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary (rowi)
- Haast Kiwi Sanctuary (Haast tokoeka)
BNZ Save the Kiwi logo
Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust
Kiwi are also getting a helping hand from a Trust dedicated to the conservation of this special bird. The Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) Save the Kiwi Trust was set up to strengthen the funds and resources available to protect kiwi nationally. It is a partnership between BNZ, the Department of Conservation and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society. Each year the Trust raises funds and supports hands-on kiwi conservation programmes throughout New Zealand.
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