After two more local kiwi were killed by roaming dogs, Kaingaroa School students were keen to do something about it.
Kaingaroa School winning poster by Aaron McDonald
The students at Kaingaroa School near Kaitaia have taken action and designed posters to remind all dog owners to keep their dogs under control in kiwi areas. To support their initiative, Kiwi Coast and the Department of Conservation sponsored prizes for the top designs.
Lesley Baigent, Kiwi Coast Far North Coordinator said “Two posters were chosen as the ultimate winners and we will make them into roadside signs to be used locally. A big thanks to all the entries, they were all awesome – colourful, artistic and gave the right message.”
The winning posters were designed by Aaron McDonald and Holly O’Brian.
“Two classes from Kaingaroa School had been studying kiwi and the threats they face during the last two terms of 2023. We talked about kiwi and how special they are, and the threats that mustelids, feral cats and especially dogs pose.
Kaingaroa School winning poster by Holly O’Brien
The students were devastated when unfortunately it was proven to be true and two of their own local wild kiwi were killed.”
The classes also built rat trap boxes and had been out trapping around the school. At the end of Term 3 they got a visit from Miriam Ritchie and her specially trained Conservation Dog Team showing how her rat detecting dogs worked. The kids safely dragged a dead rat on a rope around a course and then watched the dog follow the trail to the rat.
Aaron McDonald and his poster with judges Kylie and Allanah from DoC Kaitaia
Lesley said “A huge thanks to Kaingaroa School for taking the initiative to help keep kiwi safe! The new signs will be up as soon as they have been created in the New Year.
They will be a great reminder to those using the local roads to keep their dogs well controlled so kiwi can live safely and thrive long into the future.”
