Conservation Planning for the North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli): An investigation into the role of district plans to facilitate landscape scale conservation of the North Island brown kiwi in Northland, New Zealand

Abstract

Impacts resulting from human activity have lead to a dramatic decline of all species of kiwi (Apteryx spp.). Today, approximately 8,000 North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) remain in Northland. Many of these kiwi are found within fragments of indigenous and exotic vegetation within working landscapes held in private ownership. This study investigates the potential for landscape scale conservation of the Northland brown kiwi and the potential role of statutory plans to facilitate conservation outcomes outlined by the Draft Taxon Plan for the Northland Brown Kiwi. The research utilised literature review, document analysis and key informant interviews to develop an understanding of the key threats to kiwi in Northland, assess the current state of kiwi conservation and identify benefits which could eventuate from landscape scale conservation for kiwi and a greater incorporation of statutory planning within threatened species management.

The implementation of rules regarding no dog or no pet conditions on rural subdivisions is a proposed avenue in which the statutory planning framework could better facilitate conservation outcomes in high-density kiwi areas. The study also identifies the need to apply landscape scale predator management to protect viable populations and facilitate the dispersal of kiwi throughout their historic range.

The study acknowledges that kiwi will continue to decline in some areas, but where key threats are managed, populations are able to recover. As many kiwi are situated on private land, facilitating and supporting community engagement with kiwi conservation will continue to be important, as will the provision of ongoing financial support for landcare groups and communities who undertake integrated pest management. The provision of advocacy and education regarding kiwi conservation could enhance the conservation value of private land without restricting the functional use of land. Further research which quantifies the value of conservation could provide an alternative mechanism in which conservation activity could be promoted on private land.