Kiwi accounted for in sanctuary fires

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All kiwi have been accounted for following five fires lit near a West Coast sanctuary during the weekend.

Department of Conservation (DOC) spokesman Julian Tovey said staff had tracked tags today to ensure none of the rare species, known as rowi, were killed when about 20 hectares of land near their nesting areas at the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, north of Franz Josef, was torched.

Locals believed the fires may have been lit by hunters hoping to create regrowth which would attract deer.

Mr Tovey said the land was very fertile and there was no need for replanting.

"It's just a case of hoping more fires don't get lit really."

He said DOC staff had met with police today to discuss monitoring the site.

Constable Paul Gurney, of Franz Josef police, said it was difficult to track down the arsonists.

"There's not much for us to go on, so we're really relying on the public, whoever saw these people. Someone out there knows who's done it and we want those people to come forward."

He said police were not backing any theory on why the fires were lit.

"It could be (for hunting). Or they could have just lit it to get back at DOC. These areas have a history of being set alight by people over the years. Unless we find who did it I don't think we'll find the real reason."

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson also called for the public to name those responsible.

"It's an absolute disgrace that anyone would deliberately set fire to bush in a kiwi sanctuary.

"There are only about 350 rowi (a rare species of kiwi) in total in New Zealand and DOC staff have been working incredibly hard to increase this population.

"It's difficult enough protecting these iconic birds from predators without having to worry about arsonists.

"I can only ask all West Coast locals to help DOC protect the sanctuary by keeping a close eye on the area and reporting any suspicious behaviour to police."

- Anyone with information can make an anonymous call to 0800 CRIMESTOPPERS, or contact Franz Josef Police on 03 756 1070.

- NZPA