This evaluation examines selected advocacy initiatives in the Kiwi RecoveryProgramme in Northland and Coromandel. The evaluation gathered qualitative information from key stakeholders. The effectiveness of kiwi advocacy was considered in relation to: the role of advocacy in the Kiwi Recovery Programme; the range of advocacy methods used; the nature and extent of community involvement in kiwi conservation; promoting kiwi conservation through local government; promoting kiwi conservation through schools; promoting dog control; and factors influencing the effectiveness of kiwi advocacy.
The evaluation found:
- kiwi advocates are essential to the success of the Kiwi Recovery Programme;
- a wide range of advocacy methods are used;
- there is increasing community involvement in kiwi conservation;
- kiwi advocacy is moving from raising general awareness to informing people about how they can help protect kiwi;
- there are opportunities for further promoting kiwi conservation through local government;
- there are opportunities for further promoting kiwi conservation through schools;
- dog control issues are being highlighted, particularly through the development of 'kiwi aversion' dog training.
The main conclusion is that advocacy is making an appreciable contribution to kiwi conservation.