Napier and Hastings residents are being called upon to urgently get outside and search for kiwi.
Quest for Kiwi is a new national community project launched for Save Kiwi Month, which aims to clarify where kiwi are both present and absent. The project aims to provide a better understanding of where conservation efforts are most needed to ensure kiwi are preserved for future generations.
Napier and Hastings are considered to be "hotspots" as there are previous records of kiwi being in the area but no recent data to support that.
Executive director of Kiwis for Kiwi, Michelle Impey, said while they wanted to hear of kiwi sightings everywhere in New Zealand, the priority was the hotspots.
"We are encouraging Napier and Hastings residents to report sightings and calls of kiwi.