Dogs & Cats

In Northland, for example, dogs have surpassed stoats, ferrets and cats as the main kiwi killer. You can read more about it here.

There are a number of useful resources to help manage dogs and cats and reduce the damage they cause to kiwi.

Useful resources:

• Kiwi zone signs

• Dog control legislation

• Kiwi avoidance training

• Cat cage design

• Keeping kiwi safe from pets

Kiwi zone signs

Help protect kiwi in your area by prohibiting dogs. BNZ Save the Kiwi has produced a series of Kiwi Zone signs for community-based groups to use. There’s room at the top left for your group’s logo. The signs let visitors know they are entering a kiwi zone and deliver a clear message about the danger of dogs.

There are three versions of the signs: ‘No dogs allowed’, ‘Dogs by permission only’, ‘Dogs must be on a lead’. There is also a version suitable for boat ramps.

Made of corflute (a fluted polypropylene co-polymer), the signs measure 800mm x 600mm and are durable and weather-resistant.

If you are a registered kiwi practitioner, you can order them (at no charge) online from Kiwi Shop. Or you can make a request directly to the Trust at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dog control legislation

Two pieces of law recognise that dogs and kiwi don’t mix and help protect kiwi – the Dog Control Act 1996 and the Conservation Act Amendment 1996.

New Zealand’s Dog Control Act 1996 spells out obligations for dog owners. The Act was amended in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

Under the Dog Control Act, every dog owner has to make sure his or her animal is kept under control and does not injure, endanger or cause distress to any protected wildlife (including kiwi), or stock, poultry and domestic animals. Any dog ‘at large’ and an immediate threat to kiwi may be seized or destroyed by the landowner or a dog control officer. Local authorities can put additional controls on dogs, such as excluding them from some areas or limiting their numbers.

Under the Conservation Act Amendment (1996), some areas are open to dogs; some areas are ‘controlled’ and dogs can only go there if the owner has a permit; and some areas exclude dogs altogether if they pose a high risk.

Kiwi avoidance training

Dogs are the main predator of adult kiwi, which means they are taking out the important breeding birds. You can learn more about the effect dogs are having here.

BNZ Save the Kiwi has been working to raise owners’ awareness of just how dangerous their dog can be for kiwi, and as part of this the Trust is supporting kiwi avoidance training.

While the safest option for kiwi is simply to avoid having dogs ever encounter them, if dogs must go into an area where wild kiwi live – such as working dogs – this training helps reduce the risk. It is no guarantee and does not make the dogs bird-safe – but it does make a difference.

You can see how it works on our How to Save Kiwi DVD.

A list of trainers throughout New Zealand is available here.

Cat cage design

Wild cats are a major threat to kiwi. They can be trapped in baited cage traps, but this is often difficult to do, particularly when there is an abundance of food they like to hunt, such as rabbits and rodents. Most cats are caught during the autumn and winter months, when less of this other prey is around.

Follow the link to download a PDF of How to make a homemade plywood cat or possum cage. These plans can be followed by someone with basic woodwork skills. They are based on a very effective live capture possum and cat trap used in Northland.