Kiwi 'hit and run' in Raurimu prompts plea to motorists

Look out for kiwi on Central North Island roads. Photo/Supplied

A kiwi 'hit and run' incident in the Central North Island has resulted in a plea from the Department of Conservation.

"Watch out for endangered kiwi wobbling across roads at night," said Tongariro district kiwi ranger, Jenny Hayward.

"They look a bit like our predator possums but if you see a furry ball scurrying across the road just step off the gas and slow down, it may be a kiwi."

A photo of last night's "hit and run victim" in Raurimu was too gruesome to share with the public, DoC said.

With fragmented populations of kiwi in the Central North Island they are likely to be attracted to find each other and will move considerable distances when they hear calls.

"We are coming into the ski season and will have lots of visitors travelling at night and many are not aware that endangered kiwi live in forests adjacent to major highways," said Malcom Swanney, senior ranger, biodiversity.

Drivers visiting the Central North Island this winter are encouraged to look out for the kiwi road signs and slow down when they see them, the signs indicate kiwi live in the area.