Find out what you need to know to help protect kiwi.

- Kiwi Recovery Plan 2008–2018
- Kiwi Best Practice Manual
- Taxon plans
- Captive Management Plan
- Husbandry Manual
- Kiwi Island Strategy
The Kiwi (Apteryx spp.) Recovery Plan 2008–2018 is produced by the Department of Conservation as the foundation document for kiwi recovery in New Zealand. It covers all five formally described species, including the six distinct forms for brown kiwi and tokoeka.
The long-term goal has remained largely unchanged since the first kiwi recovery plan was written in 1991: ‘To restore and, wherever possible, enhance the abundance, distribution and genetic diversity of all kiwi taxa’.
The plan covers kiwi management, research, and community relations and engagement. There are 41 objectives and 92 prioritised actions. Progress will be reviewed after 5 years, in 2013.
Download the Kiwi Recovery Plan 2008-2018 (PDF: 686K) to find out more.
Published in 2003, this manual aims to help establish nationwide consistency in the way kiwi are managed and researched, based on the best available techniques for both wild and captive kiwi. It also advocates for continuous improvement.
The Kiwi Best Practice Manual is a companion to the Kiwi Recovery Plan 2008–2018 and the Kiwi Captive Management Plan.
It was was prepared by Hugh Robertson and Rogan Colbourne, with contributions from John McLennan, Lance Dew, Jonathan Miles, Ray Pierce, Daryl Olsen, Ian Flux, John Cheyne and Murray Potter.
Download the Kiwi Best Practice Manual and its appendices.
Taxon plans are coming soon. Over time, separate taxon plans will be written for each of the five formally recognised kiwi species and their subspecies. These will set goals and describe in detail the management and research actions required to achieve and maintain them. A link will be provided to each taxon plan as it becomes available.
Completed plans include:
The Captive Management Plan for Kiwi 2010 – 2015 has been produced by Suzy Barlow, Captive Kiwi Coordinator; Kiwi Recovery Group in association with Zoological Aquarium Association (ZAA NZ) and the New Zealand captive management community.
The plan illustrates the key issues, goals and resultant activities that are needed to deliver a viable and sustainable captive kiwi population well into the future.
See also Captive Management Plan for Kiwi 2010 - 2015. Attachment - Facility Review and Institutional Roles.
This husbandry manual has been prepared for all institutions holding Brown kiwi, Apteryx mantelli, in captivity. It reflects the collective experience of many individuals and organisations that have held kiwi in captivity over the past four decades, and seeks to document current best practice in husbandry of captive kiwi.
Download the Brown Kiwi Husbandry Manual (Version 2 Updated 2011) to find out more.
Coming soon.
Some people think kiwi use their beak to fight, like a sword. That would be like you head-butting someone with your nose. The kiwi’s nose is finely tuned and sensitive, second only to the condor in its ability to detect scent.







