KEY POINTS:
Hunters opposed to 1080 have threatened to let their dogs free in a kiwi sanctuary in Tongariro Forest.
This is the second incident by 1080 protesters in a week.
The Department of Conservation found a sign nailed to a tree in Tongariro Forest, near Taupo, on Sunday that
read: "DOC 1080 deer, we will dog your kiwis".
DoC is taking the threat seriously.
Ruapehu area manager Kevin Cannell said: "Those who posted the sign seem to forget that they are not DoC's kiwis but the nation's. No other animal in New Zealand is more internationally recognised as a national icon than the kiwi, so any attempt to sabotage the work carried out in Tongariro Forest and elsewhere by DoC staff, volunteers and kiwi houses is an affront to all New Zealanders."
There are thought to be only 500 kiwis left in Tongariro forest.
In 2003, the area was made a controlled dog area, and avian-aversion training was introduced for hunting dogs.
Conservation Minister Chris Carter last night expressed his disgust over the threat.
"The kiwi is our national bird and as such has a special place in most New Zealanders' hearts. I simply cannot conceive why anyone would threaten such an action, let alone carry it out."
The Wellington Regional Council has also complained to police about 1080 pellets being dropped in Tunnel Gully and Kaitoke Regional Park this week.
The areas are closed to dogs but one pet dog has died after eating a 1080 pellet.
Mr Carter said there was no way the pellets "could have gotten into those areas without some help from a human hand and I'm appalled and saddened that people who opposed 1080 would go to these lengths to make their point".
DoC had been in discussions with local hunters over whether deer repellent could be used on 1080 pellets.
"The majority of hunters are reasonable and responsible people who want to protect the bush and our native wildlife as much as anyone else," Mr Carter said.
"But the actions of these few people who are opposed to 1080 are totally unacceptable and an affront to all New Zealanders."
The Environmental Risk Management Authority last month approved the use of 1080 against pests such as possums after a lengthy investigation.
The pesticide is one of the major weapons in New Zealand's war against possums.
Conservationists oppose the poison because it kills wildlife.
