Dogs face 'avian aversion' training to protect kiwi stocks

By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE

The growing number of kiwi being killed by dogs has prompted the Department of Conservation to toughen up entry to East Coast and Hawkes Bay conservation areas.

Hunting dogs will soon have to be trained in avian aversion - deterring them from touching native birds.

Over the last year, 13 of 17 monitored kiwi in Te Urewera National Park were killed by dogs, said spokesman Brett Butland.

Kiwi were also killed in the Kaweka Ranges and other sites managed by the department.

From May 1 next year, no dogs will be allowed to enter any scenic reserves, conservation or forest parks, or named conservation areas unless their owners have a permit.

This was to protect vulnerable native species such as kiwi, blue duck and weka, Mr Butland said.

Because of the valuable role hunters and their dogs play in protecting forests from introduced browsing animals such as deer and pigs, they will still be able to be taken into areas managed by the department under certain conditions.

Mr Butland said all pig and deer hunters using dogs would require a permit, issued only if the dogs were well controlled and did not pose a danger to native wildlife.

Criteria would include meeting a minimum behaviour standard, being identified with a tattoo or freeze brand and certification that the dog had successfully completed avian avoidance training.

Permits are already needed for dogs in the national park, but proof of aversion training has not been compulsory before.

Hunters from Bay of Plenty clubs have started working with the Department of Conservation area office at Opotiki on training courses for their dogs before the tougher rules come into effect next May.

Last Friday marked the end of the season when pig dogs may be taken into Te Urewera park.

"Labour Weekend marks the time when New Zealanders traditionally take to the great outdoors, tramping, camping and looking forward to summertime recreation in the bush," said Mr Butland. "In Te Urewera National Park, the closing of the pig dog season reduces hunter numbers to help ensure the safety of other park users over the period of highest visitor use."