This Content Is Only For Subscribers
New Zealanders heading into native forests are being urged to stay alert for the signs and sounds of kiwi, with visitors asked to report sightings, calls and tracks to help conservation efforts.
The call comes during Conservation Week 2026, after the surprise discovery of a western brown kiwi in the Waipapa Block of Pureora Forest Park in March.
Save the Kiwi operations manager Tineke Joustra says the appeal coincides with a seasonal rise in kiwi calling activity.
“Kiwi call throughout the year, but more over winter,” Tineke says.
“The male call is shrill and has eight to 25 repetitions, while the female call is more guttural and has 10 to 20 repetitions.”
Tineke says there are several clear indicators of kiwi presence in forested areas, including distinctive three-toed footprints in mud or puddles, holes made by their long probing beaks, and the occasional discovery of hair-like feathers.
“Kiwi are nocturnal, so daytime sightings are rare in the North Island. That’s why these signs are so important – they help us understand where kiwi are, even when we don’t see them.”
She says people can help build a clearer picture of kiwi distribution by submitting observations, photos and videos through the Save the Kiwi reporting portal.
Department of Conservation Pureora Forest programme lead Tama Blackburn says the camera capture of the western brown kiwi highlighted the excitement the species still generates.
“Our DOC whānau and local conservation contributors were thrilled to discover this kiwi had been spotted on the camera – and that can be a shared feeling among people heading out into the ngahere if they see signs of kiwi.”
Tama says Pureora Forest is a biodiversity hotspot popular with cyclists using The Timber Trail, trampers and hunters during The Roar.
“If we can get those visitors reporting signs or calls from kiwi in this beautiful forest, that’ll help our friends at Save The Kiwi with their mahi.
“Reporting a kiwi sighting is one small action contributing to a bigger conservation kaupapa.”
