In a bid to safeguard New Zealand’s iconic kiwi from potential harm, Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation (DoC) are inviting working dog owners to participate in a specialized kiwi avoidance training course in Whanganui. This initiative coincides with Save the Kiwi Week, taking place from October 14 to 20.
The kiwi avoidance training program, which began in Coromandel in the 1990s, is now conducted nationwide as a partnership between DoC and the Save the Kiwi charity. According to Save the Kiwi, the unique anatomy of kiwis—lacking a breastplate or robust chest muscles—renders them particularly vulnerable to dog encounters. Even a gentle nudge from a curious dog can have fatal consequences. Given that a female kiwi can lay up to 200 eggs throughout her lifetime, the loss of even a single bird poses a significant threat to conservation efforts.
Targeting “dogs with jobs,” such as sheepdogs and hunting dogs, the training aims to instill an understanding of kiwi safety for canines that may be active in kiwi habitats. Emma Craig, a dog specialist from Save the Kiwi, noted that working dogs with prior obedience and hunting training adapt quickly to kiwi avoidance techniques. “They already grasp the concept of target and non-target, so it’s not too challenging to add kiwis to the list of things they should avoid,” she explained.
During the training sessions, dogs are introduced to kiwi-related stimuli, including taxidermied specimens, nesting materials, and droppings, paired with electric shocks to create a negative association. “We simulate an encounter with a kiwi and provide a negative experience to reinforce that kiwis are not something they should pursue,” Craig added.
A 2017 study by Predator Free NZ revealed promising results: by the second session, 69% of dogs demonstrated avoidance of the stimuli, a figure that increased to 100% by the fifth session. While the training does not guarantee that dogs will be entirely “kiwi-proof,” it significantly diminishes the risk of harm to these endangered birds. Nevertheless, dog owners are advised to keep their trained dogs away from kiwi habitats and conservation areas whenever possible. Non-working dogs should always be kept away from these sensitive environments.
Under the 1996 Dog Control Act, dog owners may face fines up to $20,000 and/or three years of imprisonment for the injury or death of any protected wildlife. Craig noted that most hunters are eager to participate in this training, as they often frequent bush areas where kiwis reside. “They appreciate seeing kiwis in their natural habitat and want to ensure their dogs do not disrupt those experiences,” she stated.
To best protect wildlife, DoC and Save the Kiwi urge all dog owners to keep their pets under control, securely contained at night, and on leashes during walks. Hunting dog owners are encouraged to hunt during daylight hours, keep their pack sizes small, and complete kiwi avoidance training.
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