Kiwis tell us what is 'Quintessentially Kiwi'

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released the top results of its ‘Quintessentially Kiwi’ survey in time for Conservation Week 2011, after receiving over 1100 responses.

Kiwi was the favourite by a clear margin when people were asked which native species helped define who we are as New Zealanders. Tui and kakapo were other popular choices for native birds, while kauri, kowhai and New Zealand’s Christmas tree, the pohutukawa, topped the plants.

When asked about New Zealand’s special places, the most frequent responses included Cape Reinga and Rotorua in the North Island and Aoraki/Mt Cook, Fiordland and Stewart Island down south.

"We are thrilled with the number of people who have responded and the results are exciting," said Doris Johnston, DOC's Deputy Director General for Policy.

"It’s great to know what New Zealanders think about it and it gives us a guide as to how best to manage the things that are important to them."

She noted that many of the species named in the survey were already being worked on by DOC, community partners and sponsors such as the BNZ Kiwi Recovery programme and Project Crimson.

The online feedback will be used in DOC’s Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) process which guides how DOC is setting conservation priorities over the next decade.

The survey has now closed but there is still a chance for the community to be involved in wider CMS consultation which has already begun in the regions.

DOC asked a similar question as part of a market survey, the results of which are very similar to the ‘Quintessentially Kiwi’ results. This data to will also guide the department.

More information on how to participate in the CMS process can be found on the DOC website-http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/how-doc-consults/consulting-on-conservation-management-strategies/