How to look after kiwi in your backyard

Overview

Since 2018, The Capital Kiwi Project has been working in partnership with the Council, locals, iwi and landowners to prepare Wellington’s western hills for the return of kiwi. Now, over 60 North Island brown kiwi have been released and are roaming around the hills of Pōneke. Here is some information for how you can help us protect them.

Take care with dogs when out and about with kiwi

Stoats are the number one threat to kiwi chicks but these are controlled to suitable levels. An adult kiwi’s big claws can fend off stoats, cats and possums. The biggest threat to kiwi is now uncontrolled dogs. A kiwi is a tough and resilient animal but a bite from a dog will probably be fatal.

Here’s how you can help manage dogs and protect kiwi:

• Take the lead in responsibly exercising your dogs, including keeping them on a lead in Council reserves where that is required, for example: Mākara Peak, The Skyline Track, and Karori and Mākara cemeteries.
• If you see a dog off leash - ask they be kept on a lead.
• Keep your dog securely contained at night and report any roaming or missing dogs immediately by calling 04 499 4444 or email dogs@wcc.govt.nz.

Be aware of kiwi roaming in your backyard

• If you find an injured or dead kiwi, please leave the kiwi where it is and immediately contact the Department of Conservation emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
• Consider joining your local Predator Free group and/or having a backyard trap
• Please control dogs at all times and make sure others do the same

Find out more about kiwi through the Capital Kiwi Project https://capitalkiwi.co.nz