TE POHUE KIWIS

Forest and Bird, Issue 139, 1 February 1961, Page 6

TE POHUE KIWIS

Except for someone’s vigilance and the publicity given by the Napier Daily Telegraph, a colony of kiwis at Te Pohue might have been destroyed by fire. It started when the Forest Service planned to fell and burn an area of some 40 to 50 acres, preparatory to planting with exotic pines. Te Pohue is about 10 miles in a direct line west of Lake Tutira, and the Department advertised the kanuka (white manuka) on the land for sale as firewood, after which the residue was to be burnt.

Fortunately somebody knew the colony of kiwis lived there, and early in January the Napier Daily Telegraph gave the story to the public and it caused consternation amongst bird lovers.

Mrs. E. Hodgson, of Awamate, Wairoa, telegraphed the Minister of Forests, Mr. Gerard, and also our own head office; Dr. Bathgate telephoned, and Miss Barrer for the Thames S.P.C.A. also telegraphed. Our head office immediately brought the matter to the attention of head office, Forestry, who were both sympathetic and co-operative. The head office of the Forest Service did not know there were kiwis in the locality, and upon receipt of the information, with the approval of the Minister of Forests, the plans to clear and burn the bush were cancelled. An inspection of the area is to be made by representatives of the Wildlife Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs and our Society. Except that someone knew of the presence of kiwis and informed the Napier Daily Telegraph, the kiwi colony could have been destroyed by fire. So may other colonies of rare birds exist in areas that are likely to be cleared and burnt. If members know of any they are urged to inform their local section or write to the head office of the Society as soon as possible.