Bird Aversion Training

Sunday 5th July 2026

9am - 11am Whangapoua Campground

11:30am - 1pm Claris Sports Club

This July, the Department of Conservation is holding the first pig hunt that Aotea has seen in several years. This hunt will encourage people young and old to get out and appreciate nature while helping to manage the feral pig population.

During July, some of our most precious taonga species are also out and about, like Pāteke, Kororā and Ōi (grey face petrel) who will be breeding, and there is a chance that the last of the Takoketai chicks will still be fledging. On Aotea, pig hunters who wish to hunt on Department of Conservation land are required to have a permit for their hunting dogs, part of the requirement is that they have undergone bird aversion training.

Bird aversion training for hunting dogs is a crucial tool for mitigating the threat of unintentional predation. This specialised training teaches dogs to avoid native birds by instilling a natural avoidance response. Bird aversion helps ensure that dogs can safely accompany their owners without endangering our vulnerable bird populations.

Did you know that Pāteke chicks are precocial, which means they typically leave the nest within 1 to 2 days (24-48 hours) of hatching!
And Kororā can nest surprisingly far from the sea, they are known to travel up to 1.5 km inland and climb heights of up to 300 meters!

So, if you are looking to bag the prize for the biggest pig, remember that you can also be a conservation hero! Bird aversion training for hunting dogs on Aotea is not just about safeguarding our wildlife; it’s about balancing the enjoyment of outdoor activities with the responsibility of preserving the island’s natural treasures.

Bird aversion training will be held on Sunday the 5th of July, 9 am at Whangapoua Campground in Okiwi and 11 am at Claris Sports Club. This is a free event open to all dog owners, and no bookings are required! For information about the aversion training, email blackdogconservation@gmail.com