Auckland is home to 1.6 million humans, 130,000* dogs and, unbeknownst to many people, hundreds of kiwi.
Many of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, along with some onshore areas like Tāwharanui and Shakespear Regional Park, are
sanctuaries for kiwi and other protected wildlife. But despite most islands in the Hauraki Gulf having restrictions on
dogs, every summer there are reports of dogs being sighted on islands like Rotoroa and Motutapu, both of which are home
to kiwi.
This summer, Save the Kiwi is urging boaties who like to take their dogs out on the water with them, to understand where
man’s best friend can go before they leave shore, so they – and their dogs – don’t get caught out.
“Over the summer holidays when we like to get out on the water more, many boaties take their dogs with them for the
adventure too,” says Save the Kiwi executive director Michelle Impey. “Unfortunately, this is also a time of the year
when we hear reports of dogs on islands where kiwi live, which can threaten kiwi populations and other native wildlife.”
Kiwi don’t have breastplates and chest muscles to protect their internal organs like birds that fly do. This means just
a gentle nudge from any dog, regardless of breed, size, or temperament, has the potential to crush its ribcage and
internal organs, even if the dog isn’t being aggressive.
“When we say, ‘Any dog could kill a kiwi’, many owners respond by saying, ‘My dog would never do that because it’s
well-trained, or it’s great with kids and animals, or it’s a chihuahua’,” says Ms Impey. “In fact, many dog owners think
we’re attacking them, their dog, and their ability to control it. This simply isn’t the case, and many conservationists
love dogs and are dog owners themselves. While it may be true that not ‘every’ dog would kill a kiwi, it is simply not a
risk worth taking.”
A kiwi can live for 50 or more years and can lay up to 200 eggs in its lifetime. Dogs are particularly devastating to
kiwi populations because they target adult birds, and in doing so wipe out the potential future generations of each one.
“When dogs come across interesting scents or movement they’ve never been exposed to, it’s instinctive and natural
behaviour for them to investigate. Sometimes a dog will give chase and brutally maul a kiwi, but even an inquisitive
nudge can be enough to fatally injure it.
“When a dog kills a kiwi, the bird dies a horrible, painful death. It really doesn’t matter whether a dog has
intentionally or accidentally killed a kiwi, it’s one less kiwi in an already declining population, and it’s one brutal
death that is absolutely avoidable.”
It’s not just kiwi that are at risk.
“Many of the Hauraki Gulf’s offshore sanctuaries are also home to protected shorebirds and seabirds like tōrea/variable
oystercatcher and dotterel which are vulnerable to disturbance and predation by dogs,” says Ms Impey. “Kauri dieback is
also absent from many islands, but dogs that have visited areas where kauri dieback is present could inadvertently
spread the disease via their paws or coats.”
The best way to keep dogs away from kiwi and other protected species is to leave them at home or stick to the mainland
where there are more places where dogs can run around. Where dogs are allowed, always keep them under control and know
where they are at all times.