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You can help kiwi

For New Zealanders, the kiwi is not just another bird and saving the kiwi is not just a matter of concern for scientists and conservationists. To all New Zealanders, kiwi are a taonga, or treasure and part of our unique natural heritage.

You can help save the kiwi in many ways, by making a donation or getting out and involved with the conservation of local kiwi populations. Here is a list of things you can do to help save our national icon:

  • If you live in an area with kiwi, start or join a local kiwi conservation community group to help ensure kiwi survival.
  • If you are lucky to have kiwi on your property, protect them by fencing and covenanting habitat, trapping predators, keeping dogs under control and putting escape ramps in cattle stops.
  • Encourage the safeguarding of kiwi habitat in your area.
  • Volunteer your time and energy to local kiwi projects.
  • Learn to recognise kiwi calls and report what you hear to DOC.
  • Drive carefully at night and watch for kiwi on roads when driving through kiwi habitat (look out for the distinctive kiwi road sign).
  • If you find a sick, injured or dead kiwi please take it to your nearest DOC office.
  • Keep your dog tied up and cats inside at night if you live in or near kiwi habitat.
  • Avoid taking your dogs into kiwi areas.
  • If you do need to take your dog into kiwi areas, take it to kiwi aversion training, and keep it on a leash or under strict control at all times. Remember dogs are not permitted in all conservation areas so check with your local DOC office first.
  • Report roaming dogs in kiwi areas to DOC.
  • Do not dump unwanted pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) in the bush. Give them to the SPCA, or have them humanely put down by a vet.
  • Manage a kiwi-friendly plantation forest.

Donations

  • Visit the Bank of New Zealand Save The Kiwi website and make a secure on-line credit card donation.
  • If you are a BNZ customer, you can donate via a Save The Kiwi Eftpos card, and a Save The Kiwi cheque book. All donations go directly to BNZ Save The Kiwi Trust and are allocated to kiwi projects.
  • Make a donation at any BNZ branch or via a BNZ ATM machine.

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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

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai