Protected kereru killed in Napier, the third in Hawke's Bay in as many years

One of New Zealand's protected wood pigeons, the kereru, was killed in Napier over the long weekend, apparently shot.

A member of the public phoned the Department of Conservation on Sunday after they found the young bird on the ground at Park Island.

When DOC compliance ranger Rod Hansen went to retrieve the bird, he noticed a large hole in its breast, leading him to suspect the bird was shot.

"It is disappointing that this type of random slaughter of protected wildlife occurs," Mr Hansen said.

"It is totally unnecessary and extremely sad, especially as this is the third time this has happened here in Hawke's Bay in as many years."

This death comes in wake of the shooting deaths of four kereru at the Lake Mangamahoe Wildlife Sanctuary in Taranaki earlier this month.

This earlier shooting is being investigated by the department after x-rays of the birds revealed that they had bullet fragments in them.

News of the latest killing comes after the Bird of the Year announcement was made this morning, in which the kereru came at a close second behind the kea.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to hurt or kill absolutely protected wildlife such as the kereru.  Offenders could face up to two years in prison or a $100,000 fine or both.

DOC says any member of the public who has any information about these shootings, or notices any other suspicious or illegal activity, such as the killing of protected wildlife, can report it confidentially to the 24-hour DOC HOTLINE 0800 362 468.