Meet the kiwi
Meet the little kiwi with a big voice. The kiwi pukupuku is the smallest of all kiwi species, weighing in at around 1-2 kilograms it could almost be considered a feather-weight! With its round body, soft pale brown-grey feathers, and long pale bill, it may look modest, but this bird has an incredible character.
Don’t be fooled by their cute appearance, kiwi pukupuku are fiercely territorial and aren't afraid to get scrappy. They use their sharp claws to fight rivals and can leave a path of feathers on the ground.
From near extinction to survival
Once upon a time, the kiwi pukupuku were found roaming all around the motu. The arrival of stoats, cats, and dogs saw those numbers decimated, and by the early 1900s, they were almost extinct. Now, kiwi pukupuku can be found in Aotearoa’s predator-free islands and sanctuaries like Kapiti Island, Tiritiri Matangi and Zealandia, and increasingly kiwi nui/North Island brown kiwi in areas like the Miramar Peninsula and Mākara. From near extinction to survival, this is a comeback story worth celebrating.
Why the kiwi matters
For Māori, the kiwi is a taonga species, treasured as a guardian of the forest and a symbol of uniqueness. The kiwi pukupuku’s continued survival reflects the strength of kaitiakitanga, and the responsibility of caring for our natural world.
Challenges they face
But survival isn’t guaranteed. Despite their remarkable survival story, the kiwi pukupuku still faces threats:
- Predators: Stoats, ferrets, cats, and dogs pose serious risks to kiwi, especially chicks.
- Habitat loss: Historic deforestation has reduced the native forests they once thrived in.
- Small population size: With only around 2,000 birds left, they are vulnerable to disease and genetic risks.
- Climate change: Shifting temperatures and food availability could impact their future survival.
Conservation and hope
Thanks to decades of conservation work and predator elimination, the kiwi pukupuku is slowly making a comeback. Relocation to predator-free islands, strict breeding programmes, and sanctuaries have helped grow their numbers. Community groups and iwi-led conservation efforts continue to play a vital role in protecting this little kiwi.
Why vote kiwi for bird of the year
This Bird of the Year allows us to shine a spotlight on the smallest kiwi with the biggest heart. Their story is one of survival, resilience, community and collective action.
Voting for the kiwi pukupuku is voting for hope and a promising future. It’s a reminder that even when the odds are against us, we can still turn things around.