Whakatane has been trademarked as "The Kiwi Capital of the World", a title that Kiwi Trust volunteers, supporters and the wider community are proud promote.
Nowhere else in the world do kiwi live in people's backyards; in an urban environment.
However the title is under threat with another national bird being killed by a dog, only metres from a Whitehorse Dr resident's home last week.
The young chick, Mackie, was the focus of the New Year kiwi celebration at Ohope Beach School earlier this year.
Almost 200 people attended the celebration and sent Mackie into the wild with well wishes.
Department of Conservation partnership ranger Bridget Palmer said the post-mortem report confirmed a dog attack.
"The graphic description of Mackie's injuries takes your breath away.
"This bird had severe crush and shaking injuries over the lumbar and thoracic region- typical of a dog attack. Basically this poor bird had been broken in half, with only the skin holding the bird together".
She said the response from some Whitehorse Dr locals had been incredible.
"It's almost like an informal Neighbourhood Watch team has been initiated to support the protection of their nocturnal neighbours."
People are still increasing the risk to kiwi by walking their dogs in Kiwi Zones.
Whakatane police and Search and Rescue volunteers were stunned on Monday when they responded to a call from a woman who had reportedly broken her ankle on 'the bird walk', Mokorua Scenic Reserve, only to find that she had a dog with her.
Dale Walker, SAR co-ordinator, was disappointed someone would ignore the "Kiwi Zone" signs at each end of the walking track, let alone a local resident.
Lynda Walter, Whakatane Kiwi Trust executive officer, said kiwi scent was irresistible to dogs and the birds could not escape.
