Shocking way to save kiwi

By ANNE BESTON

The Department of Conservation is collecting data to prove that kiwi-aversion training for dogs does work - and is encouraging pet owners to put their dogs through a course.

About 300 dogs have undergone training with electric collars, which DoC hopes will prevent them killing kiwi.

This year buyers of sections in a new subdivision north of Tairua agreed to put their dogs in the programme because of concerns about how close their properties were to a kiwi area.

Dr Max James of Auckland University is testing the aversion method to show owners that it works.

Dogs are given frozen kiwi carcasses or kiwi "sign" such as faeces to smell. They then receive an electric shock, depending on their level of interest.

DoC spokesman Jason Roxburgh said dogs were susceptible to electric shock - "even a small shock gives them a hell of a fright."

The peninsula has three main kiwi areas. Moehau's 15,000ha sanctuary is the official DoC sanctuary but locals have worked hard to protect kiwi at the 4000ha Whenuakite kiwi zone near Tairua and the 5000ha Kuaotunu area north of Whitianga. The last two are in more heavily populated areas.

Bayleys Real Estate agent Linda Taylor-Dean said buyers of the five sections at Te Karo Bay were happy with the conditions of buying into the settlement. "They recognised the uniqueness of the area and the hard work that had gone into it."

Hauraki area DoC manager John Gaukrodger said that while some people would be reluctant about the training, pig hunters in particular had been happy to co-operate.

Tomorrow: Thames v Tairua.

Friday: Still digging for gold.