2 weeks Ago By Nikki Morgan
We are excited to share that local kiwi populations are continuing to grow. Ecologist Dr Virginia Moreno, from The Forest Bridge Trust, reports promising results from recent kiwi call monitoring in the Tāwharanui buffer zone, confirming that kiwi are venturing beyond the predator-proof fence and successfully establishing themselves in new areas. Between May and July, 14 audio recorders were deployed at sites ranging from 500 metres to 7.
2km from Tāwharanui’s predator-proof fence. These devices captured data nightly, totalling 1056 hours of recording. The results were impressive: • Male and female kiwi were recorded across eight sites and a total of 481 calls were heard • Kiwi duet calls – a sign of breeding pairs – were detected at five sites and up to 4.
5 km from the fence • Sites monitored since 2021 have shown a steady increase in call rates, indicating population growth and expansion The highest call rate on a single night was recorded at 4.7 calls per hour, a testament to the success of predator control in the area. Despite these positive trends, kiwi populations remain vulnerable, especially kiwi chicks, which face significant threats from introduced pests such as stoats and ferrets.
Without effective predator control, only five per cent of chicks in the wild survive to adulthood. Even in areas like ours, where 49,000 hectares are under mustelid control, challenges persist. If you have traps on your property or volunteer with a community trapping group, here are some key tips to maximise your efforts: • Keep traps accessible – clear away grass and debris • Re-bait regularly – replace old bait with fresh options like eggs or meat, which attract predators, especially during spring • Choose strategic locations – place traps along fence lines, ridges, trails and riverbanks, where predators are likely to roam Another pressing concern for kiwis in our buffer zones is the threat posed by domestic dogs.
We strongly encourage dog owners near kiwi habitats to enrol their pets in our free Kiwi Avoidance Training (KAT), sponsored by Rodney Local Board. It only takes 10 minutes but can make a huge difference in keeping our kiwis safe. Trust chief executive Ana Christmas, accompanied by her two youngest boys, recently observed two strong, healthy kiwi chicks emerging from their father’s burrow for the micro-chipping process, undertaken by the Kaipara Kiwi team.
She reflected that with kiwi living up to 50 years, these little chicks might one day journey from Mataia, crossing the bridge to meet their cousins on the East Coast. Therefore, it is critical that we maintain the corridors of protection for these kiwi populations to expand from, building on the momentum of the past five years’ investment and creating a future where the sound of kiwi calls once again fills the night. Whether you volunteer with a conservation group, book a KAT session, or donate to support predator control, every action counts.
Together, we can continue to grow kiwi populations across our rohe, ensuring these precious taonga thrive for generations to come. KAT – Kiwi Avoidance Training – booking form Kaipara Kiwi – Rodney Local Board –.
