Our BP Community Project is to build four kiwi boxes and to install monitoring equipment for Aroha Island, a nature sanctuary in the Kerikeri Inlet.
The kiwi boxes are where kiwis can sleep during the day; they give the kiwis a chance to protect themselves from threats like stoats or dogs.
The kiwi boxes will have infra-red cameras installed. This will let people who come to Aroha Island Visitors' Centre have a chance to see the kiwis asleep in their natural habitat via a large-screen TV.
Most of the people who come to Aroha Island want to see the kiwis, but they can't see them unless they stay overnight and go on the guided kiwi walks at night. The only available resource is stuffed dead kiwis on display.
If it's possible to see kiwis in the day, more people will visit, which will help Aroha Island be sustainable. It will also bring more school students and international students to Kerikeri, which will financially benefit our town.