Councillor responds
In response to my recent story on kiwi, Selwyn June stated incorrectly that 90 kiwi were released back into the Okahu Valley (which skirts Te Urewera). See: response
The Department of Conservation stated in a 2025 Official Information Act (OIA) response that “DOC has not released any kiwi into the Okahu Valley, as there is no stoat control in the area to protect the birds from predation.” DOC also states it has removed over 100 kiwi and eggs from the Okahu Valley in the last 25 years. Despite the kiwi removals, the pig hunting, native logging, and absence of “pest control”, the population continues to thrive.
Mr June also states that “more than 600 kiwi have been monitored through aerial 1080 drops nationwide, and not one has died from 1080.”
DOC rarely tests kiwi for 1080 poison residues. Only three were tested nationwide between 1998 and 2018. However, since 2018, nine kiwi have been tested, two being positive – 22 per cent.
An OIA reporting 740 dead kiwi in Northland between 1998 and 2018 shows that none were tested for 1080 poison residues. However, 53 of the Northland kiwi were tested for anti-coagulant rodenticides (not 1080), and 20 (38 per cent) were positive. Oddly, not a single kiwi has ever been recorded by DOC as dying from any kind of poisoning.
Between 2024 and 2014, 54 kiwi chicks were recorded as dying in the Tongariro Kiwi Sanctuary in the five years they were monitored. Between 2013 and 2005, over 120 chicks died, and in at least one of the seasons, the entire Operation Nest Egg batch of chicks died. Hundreds of kiwi have been translocated into poisoned forests like the Tongariro (driving up kiwi call counts), none into unpoisoned forests.
In the Waikaremoana/Te Urewera wild kiwi range, the population is thriving. DOC states not one kiwi has been reported dead in the area in the last 10 years, despite the absence of pest control. As I said previously, mad scientist experiments are no place for kiwi.
Clyde Graf
Waikato Regional Councillor
Park history recounted
Te Awamutu bridge panels unveiling attended by Mayor Susan O’Regan, elected members, mana whenua representatives, the RSA and the Te Awamutu War Memorial Park Maintenance Committee.
Last Thursday RSA and cultural art panels were fitted to the Memorial Park’s three commemorative footbridges.
The RSA panel cites “For those that served” and are without modern service logos as was initially proposed. An objection to “war” being removed from the initial proposal was sustained and the panel was altered to include “War” in the park’s name.
The sentiment of October 12,1953 had the bridges named by those who returned for those who did not, “with an assurance that the park was a recognition of the men who fell in WW2”.
An RSA view published in July 2020 referred to the footbridges as amongst non-negotiable parts “of the overall memorial to the fallen of WW2, that was named in good faith when designed and constructed”. That name is: Waipa District War Memorial Park, not Te Awamutu District(s) as is cited on the bridge panels.
The publicly funded and subsidised Memorial Park was vested to the Council and citizens. Internal Affairs input November 10, 1950, clarified their subsidy condition(s) of perpetual maintenance and use by all as being “available for all sections of the community”’ and that “to grant lease to a particular organisation… would be at variance,” i.e. to re-purpose.
Though not an RSA Park, the RSA and mana whenua, both sectional groups, partnered to place two art panels with various cultural narratives on each bridge. This re-purposing has exceeded “the plan gives space to mana whenua heritage while respecting the Memorial Park…” cited by the council in June 2021.
Prior to the unveiling, information and photos of the fallen airmen were placed on the bridge approaches to enhance and re-focus the proceedings. A period correct Air Force Ensign Flag was also flown. Park Managers and the RSA insisted these be removed to avoid a distraction. Next of kin and informed citizens would be dismayed.
Peter Fletcher and Marc Dawson
Te Awamutu
Art panels on the Navy Bridge in Te Awamutu’s War Memorial Park. Photo: Supplied
Theatre applause
I would like to acknowledge the Te Awamutu Regent Theatre for giving hundreds of families a free screening of the Classic 1997 film ‘Babe’. I’ve always loved this film, about a pig who thought it was sheep dog. Four different screenings were shown almost at the same time in 4 different theatres. My Grandies & I so enjoyed it, it’s great to have a good laugh. Hundreds of families had a very happy Sunday afternoon. Well done to all the staff.
Carol Turner.
Kihikihi
Column comment
Janine Krippner
I want to thank Janine Krippner for her column. It’s always interesting and the subjects are so varied. I hope they can all be available in bulk for schools to use as research.
Deborah Christiansen
Cambridge
Editor’s note: Janine’s previous columns can be viewed through our online sites.
