“Are there any kiwi in Broadwood?”
“There used to be a long time ago!”
We welcomed Broadwood Trap and Track into the Kiwi Coast network of community led pest control back in 2022, and since then this community in North Hokianga have been hard at work removing possums, stoats and feral cats. A conversation between one of the group’s members and our Hokianga Coordinator about whether kiwi were still living in the area led to putting out a kiwi listening device and having them confirmed as present. In the months that followed, kiwi have been confirmed as present at 4 further sites across North Hokianga, with locals in Broadwood reporting hearing them call at night from their houses.
Keen to protect these taonga, and raise awareness of the resident population, Kiwi Coast supplied ‘Kiwi Live Here’ signs to the community. These signs help raise awareness and remind people that no matter how many possums they catch, the most important thing that Northlanders can do to protect their wild kiwi is to keep their dogs under control. With strong community support and protection, these kiwi will stay safe in Broadwood. They may even hikoi over the Takahue Saddle and settle into the neighboring landcare group – Takahue Pest Control!
