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The Kiwi bird is known around the world as the unofficial national emblem of New Zealand and is instantly recognisable by its long bill, dark feathers and beady brown eyes.

The bird has become a huge part of New Zealand’s culture for centuries as it symbolises the the uniqueness of New Zealand wildlife and value of natural heritage.

You can find the iconic bird throughout all areas of New Zealand, usually within sanctuaries for preservation or roaming wild in forest locations.

Find out more about this iconic New Zealand bird below.

About the Kiwi:

Kiwi birds are classified as part of the Ratites family (which includes ostrich, emu and cassowary species) and are about the size of a domestic chicken.

These unique birds have no tail, strong legs and hair-like feathers and are the only birds that have nostrils on the end of their long bill. Kiwi birds use their long bill to detect food, which includes invertebrates and fallen fruit hidden on forest floors.

Like many of New Zealand’s native animals, they are mostly nocturnal and live in forest locations, where they make their nests in hallow logs or under vegetation. They typically live anywhere between the ages of 25 – 50 and despite their iconic national status, all five species of the bird are classified as threatened or at risk.

Cultural significance:

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of this bird is their significance in New Zealand culture especially to Maori, who view the bird as a Taonga (meaning treasure) and a child of Tanemahuta, god of the forest.

In Maori culture, the Kiwi bird’s feathers have historically been woven into beautiful cloaks and given to people of high rank as a symbol of power and authority. Although the species is now protected, they are still treasured and loved by all cultures and have become a vital part of the nation’s identity.

Threats to the species:

Despite their iconic status, there are only around 68,000 Kiwi birds left in New Zealand with the number dropping approximately 2% every year. This is due to many things, including animals like stoats, dogs, wild cats, ferrets and more who compete with the bird for food or see it as prey. Conservation of the Kiwi bird has become a high priority for New Zealand with as many as 90 conservation groups working to protect the native bird from accidental deaths, deforestation, disease and starvation, all which are contributing to the rapid decline in numbers.

Whether you are a New Zealand local or are travelling to our beautiful country, make sure you visit these unique birds at one of our many Kiwi bird houses or sanctuaries throughout New Zealand.

Here at Jetpets it’s no secret we love our cats, which is why we are sharing with you some great ways to bond with your cat to make your love for each other even stronger!

From game time to grooming, here are 5 ways you can bond with your cat today.

Cuddle time:

If you are looking to improve your connection with your long-term feline friend, or are wanting to develop a relationship with a new cat in your home, cuddle time is the best place to start! Find a comfortable spot on the couch or bed, pop your cat on your lap and give them all the cuddles and attention they deserve. The next step is figuring out their favourite (and not so favourite) spots to be touched. Most cats enjoy the sides and top of their head, as well as their chin. It is important to remember to be gentle, but also wary as it is not uncommon for cats to become overstimulated and attack! You know if your cat is happy if they are purring, closing their eyes, salivating or rolling around.

Play games:

Many people think that games just belong between dogs and their owners but cats like to have fun too! Games you could play with your cat include using a stick with fishing line attached and a toy mouse or feather on the end and encouraging your cat to jump and catch the toy. You will love seeing them get excited!

Groom your cat: 

A great way to bond with your cat is to groom them. Use a fine-toothed metal comb and very gently brush your cat’s hair from head to tail. Ensure you take care around any knots and tangles as it may be unpleasant for your cat. The grooming session should always contain lots of cuddling and stroking so that it remains a positive and happy time for your feline companion.

Get down on their level: 

If you’ve just welcomed a new cat into the house or are having trouble bonding with your current cat, a great tip is to get down on all fours and onto their level. Once you are down on the floor, offer your hand for them to detect your scent as this will help develop trust. Next, make soft clicking noises or gently call their name in a casual and positive tone. Where possible avoid direct eye contact as many cats perceive this as a sign of aggression and may be intimidated.

Get creative in the kitchen:

It’s true! The way to a cat’s heart is certainly through their stomach, so why not get creative in the kitchen and cook up some delicious food you know your cat will just love. If cooking is not your forte, another great way to develop trust and to bond with your cat is to create a strict feeding routine by giving your cat fresh food twice a day. Your cat will soon learn to know (and love) the hand that feeds them!

Looking for some fun activities to do this weekend with your pets? We’ve got 5! This weekend head outdoors with your favourite furry friend and try these great ideas we know your pets will just love.

Go for a hike:

Despite the cool weather, it’s still a great idea to head outdoors and get moving with your pets. There are some amazing walks you can take your dog on all around the country including off-leash parks and challenging hikes.

A few great places to add to your to-do list include Big King Reserve, The Auckland Botanic Gardens or the beautiful beach side walk from Milford to Takapuna.

Head to a café:                                   

There are many local cafés with great outdoor areas that are pet friendly, so you can take your pet with you while you feast on a delicious brunch or drink a tasty cup of coffee. The Eden Garden Café in Auckland is a popular destination as is the Catalina Café off the Hobsonville Point coastal walkway or Mt Eden’s Orvieto Café. 

Go to the beach:

One of the most beautiful things about New Zealand is its breathtaking beaches that are fun for both you and your pet all year round. Dogs can have a refreshing swim, while you can take in the beautiful scenery and breathe in the salty air. Top places include the Churchill Reserve Beach (Rothesay Bay), St Leonards Beach (Takapuna) or J.F. Kennedy Park Beach (Castor Bay).

Join a dog walking group:

Joining a dog walking group is a great way to meet new people, exercise, let your dog make some friends and have fun as well! There are plenty of dog walking groups in all areas and you could even bring a friend along if you’d like the extra company.

Organise a play date:

If joining a dog walking group isn’t for you, you can still be social outdoors by organising a play date with one of your friends or family members and their pets. A fun idea is to set up a play area in your backyard or at a local off-leash park with plenty of tennis balls, Frisbees, and toys so you can play fetch. We guarantee your pets will have a blast!

The cooler weather has officially arrived which means it’s time to rug up and get warm and that includes our pets as well.

With the days and nights getting colder, it’s vital to implement some key tips and tricks to keep pets warm and content in winter.

Unsure what they are? Read on below for our top tips for looking after your pets in winter.

Exercise:

While the weather may be chilly, it’s still important to exercise your pets both indoors and outdoors if the weather permits. Exercise is vital for their overall health, mental stimulation and helps to keep them warm by getting their blood pumping.

If you do decide to exercise your pets outdoors, ensure they are covered up with a jacket and minimise the time outside to no more than an hour. For indoors exercise, you can play fun games like fetch, tug-of-war or hide and seek (hiding toys for them to find).

Put the heating on:

If you have to head out during the day to go to work, why not leave the heating on to keep your pets nice and warm. For night-time, it is a good idea to keep all pets indoors with plenty of blankets and warm bedding.

Make their bedding warm and cosy:

During winter the temperature at night can drop very low, so it’s important to ensure your pet’s beds are as warm and cosy as possible. If your pet usually sleeps on the floor, place their bed up a few inches off the ground so they aren’t lying on the cold floor. Add in plenty of warm thick blankets and cushioning to keep them happy. If you don’t have many blankets for your pets, you can even wrap them in old-clothing like jumpers, they will love it!

Be wary of hot spots: 

Cats in particular are really good at seeking out warm spots in and around your house and sometimes these hot spots can be dangerous especially if you don’t see them there! Places you may find your pets include close to open fires and heaters, on the hood of your car or hiding under the car near the engine. Be particularly mindful of smaller heaters that your pet could knock over when running around.

Give them cuddles:

There’s nothing that makes you and your pet warmer than some nice cuddles on a cold wintery night! Position yourself by a fire or heater, grab your pet and some blankets and give them some much wanted love and attention. There’s nothing quite like it!

Do you have some great tips for keeping your pets warm that we’ve missed? Share them with us on Facebook.