Bay of Plenty plans big boost for kiwis

Environment Bay of Plenty and the Department of Conservation (DoC) are joining forces to try to ensure the survival of the kiwi in the Bay of Plenty.

The two agencies have announced that they will work to increase a small kiwi population near Whakatane to 200 over the next 10 years.

Environment Bay of Plenty chief executive Jeff Jones said the project was one of national significance which would involve the community.

"Kiwi are our nation's treasures, yet they are in rapid decline in New Zealand.

"It's the same in the Bay of Plenty. In much of the region, they are close to being virtually extinct," he said.

At an official ceremony, DoC regional conservator Henry Weston said: "With our organisations and the community working together we can significantly improve the situation of kiwi in the Bay of Plenty."

Five years ago, only four pairs lived in the Ohope Scenic Reserve, behind the township of Whakatane, but the number has grown to 19.

Another six chicks were taken to Moutohora (Whale Island) to start a back-up colony.

The new 10-year joint kiwi management plan means the mainland project will expand to cover a core management area of 1430ha, which includes private land.

The regional council's manager of land resources, Tony Hall, said the vision was for kiwi to prosper in the Whakatane district.

"We want people to hear them at night in town and we want them to be visitors to suburban backyards."

- NZPA