Kiwi - A Natural History

In the 1800s European naturalists were baffled by descriptions of a flightless national bird. This award-winning documentary, narrated by broadcaster Ian Johnstone in 1990, features then unseen images of the "secretive and adaptable" kiwi, once common in Aotearoa, and highlights the work needed to ensure their survival. Ex-military tech was used to capture kiwis feeding and patrolling their territories. The remaining population are at risk from shrinking habitats and predators like dogs and possums. Relocating vulnerable populations and breeding programmes are crucial to the survival of this fascinating creature.

X-ray photographs show the huge size of the egg...there's almost no room in the abdomen for food.

– Narrator Ian Johnstone on one of the extraordinary features of the kiwi

Key Cast & Crew

Swami Hansa

Cinematographer

Peter Morrin

Additional Camera Operator

Errol Samuelson

Sound Mix, Sound Recordist

Ian Johnstone

Narrator

Owen Ferrier-Kerr

Editor, Production Sound

Michael Hacking

Director, Writer, Producer