Kiwi Fundraiser Gets Generous Response

The kiwi fundraiser at the Department of Conservation Kauaeranga Visitor Centre on the weekend attracted hundreds of people and raised a considerable amount to help preserve the iconic bird.

The day of live music, activities for children and picnics on the Visitor Centre's expansive lawn was helped along by gorgeous weather.

Our Deputy Mayor Peter French was on hand for the event's opening. "There was a great crowd for this worthwhile initiative from DOC and the volunteer groups who work so hard to preserve kiwi in the Coromandel for future generations," he said.

Mr French lives in the Kauaeranga Valley and at the opening of the fundraiser told the crowd he had trapped a stoat on his property with a DOC 200 trap.

"Stoats are killers," Mr French said. "Now our ancestors may have brought them here to New Zealand back in the 1880s to control rabbits and hares, but unfortunately they have developed a passion for killing birds like our precious kiwi.

"That’s why they are now considered 'public enemy number one' for New Zealand birds," he said.

"I am reliably informed that predation of young kiwi, chiefly by stoats, is currently the most important factor contributing to the decline of mainland kiwi populations. And that’s why we need to keep the pressure on these destructive predators.

"That’s not simply about trapping stoats and other predators by yourself. It’s about supporting the kiwi-care groups throughout the Peninsula who do this wonderful work on a regular basis," Mr French said.

DOC Ranger Leanne Irvine said the day went very smoothly and the positive feedback had been "overwhelming".

"Visitors enjoyed a fantastic day of entertainment while learning about the unique features of the Kauaeranga Valley and supporting kiwi conservation on the Coromandel Peninsula," Mrs Irvine said.

"Thames Coast Kiwi Care raised a good sum with their raffle and gained some new members along with good interest in supporting trap lines and sponsoring birds. The Visitor Centre also collected additional donations from the generous visitors," she said.

DOC's 6 Weeks of Summer at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre continues until 30 January with more events to entertain and educate us on the beautiful native plants and animals of the Coromandel Peninsula.

ENDS

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