'No dogs means no dogs': Kiwis walking dogs in Hawke's Bay bush told to watch for kiwi

Dogs are not allowed along the Shine Falls walking trail due to the risk they pose to a population of kiwi near Boundary Stream. Photo / Supplied

Dog owners are being reminded of the dangers their animals pose to native wildlife after several were seen in a restricted area with a large kiwi population.

Steve Driver, of Taradale, wanted to show friends from out of town the beauty of the Hawke's Bay region so took them to Shine Falls, about 60km north of Napier, on Thursday.

"It's a lovely walk. It's pretty easy going.

"When you get into the bush it's just beautiful in there."

However, the group saw three groups walking dogs along the path despite clear signs stating dogs were not allowed because of nearby kiwi.

"I just thought it was very disrespectful," he said.

And although two groups had their dogs on leads, the third, a smaller breed, was running free.

A keen tramper, Driver said people breaking the rules could "ruin it" for others and lead to entry restrictions being put in place.

The walk starts through open country and there are sheep in the paddock, he said.

"The farmer will close it off."

He said it wasn't just about dogs worrying native animals or livestock, but the dogs could also pose a threat to young children and families who also frequented the trail.

Driver said he wanted to bring his own dog until looking it up on the website and seeing it was not allowed.

Dogs are discouraged from showing interest in kiwi related items during kiwi aversion training. Photo /File

Department of Conservation Hawke's Bay senior community ranger Chris Wootton said dogs were prohibited for a reason.

"In that Shine Falls area, there's kiwi near Boundary Stream.

"And kiwi are so susceptible to being killed or injured by dogs."

Wootton said the rules still applied to dogs who had been through kiwi-aversion training, a programme where dogs are trained to avoid ground-dwelling kiwis.

"No dogs means no dogs.

"We can't afford to risk our kiwi, this taonga species."

He said people needed to comply with the rules and those who didn't could face consequences.

Dog owners can be fined up to $10,000 and face a year in prison for allowing a dog to enter a national park or other controlled area.

The Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track is the only trail in Hawke's Bay listed on DOC's website where dogs can be walked, though they must be on a lead.

The damage dogs can cause was recently highlighted following a string of kiwi deaths in Coromandel.

Wootton also urged people to be aware of the risk to other wildlife at popular coastal spots, such as nesting birds, seals or penguins.

"It's about being responsible and aware of wildlife you might encounter."

Dogs pose a risk to public safety and can have devastating effects on our native wildlife.

People concerned about a dog in an area it is not allowed can call Animal Control on (07) 348 4199 or DOC on 0800 DOC HOT 0800 362 468.