Getting Kiwi ready – How to become a local kiwi expert

Creating ‘kiwi ready’ habitat across the Central Bridge is an important priority for The Forest Bridge Trust. The Central Bridge is a 54,000-hectare area that spreads from Mataia Restoration Project in the West to Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary in the East. Both these sanctuaries have growing populations of North Island brown kiwi. A third population is about to be established at Mt Tamahunga with a translocation of kiwi happening early 2022. Developing kiwi ready habitat essentially means having quality and quantity predator control underway.

There is also another way we can become kiwi ready. By learning as much as possible about the North Island brown kiwi we can use our knowledge to help them if needed. Have you ever wondered what they sound like, what time of day they like to call or even why they call? What do their feathers and footprints look like? How can you tell if one has stopped by your place for a feed?

Whilst it might be a few years before kiwi walk the Central Bridge it is never too soon to learn about kiwi and how to recognise their presence. You can make a start now by looking at the website links below. If you think you have spotted signs of kiwi living near you and beyond the known populations then we would love to know. Please email us at admin@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz

Extra for Experts kiwi info

by Ginnie 01/06/21