Council investigates potential kea-feeding bylaw at Arthur’s Pass

Friday, 12 June 2026

Selwyn District Council is investigating whether a bylaw could help stop people feeding kea at Arthur's Pass, following concerns from residents that the practice is putting the nationally threatened birds at risk.

Tawera Malvern councillor John Verry confirmed lawyers were assessing the legal options after the issue was raised by members of the Arthur’s Pass community, who say feeding encourages kea to congregate around roads, businesses and visitors.

Arthur’s Pass resident and Kea Conservation Trust community engagement coordinator Renée Habluetzel said the stakes were high.

“It's one step away from extinction. We have to work hard now to save those birds.”

She said feeding kea altered their natural behaviour and encouraged them to spend more time around people.

“The birds can find their own food. They don't need any of our food.

“When they do eat human food, which tends to be much higher in energy, it gives kea more time to do other things that they shouldn't be doing, like hanging around on the road and all the places that are bad for them.”

The push for the bylaw was prompted by previous issues involving people regularly feeding kea in the village.

Habluetzel said watching people feed kea despite years of education efforts was frustrating for residents.

“It's really soul-destroying. The kea are terribly at risk of being hit by cars. We've lost a lot of kea to the road.

“If we feed them, then kea become a nuisance with their behaviour. They'll attack cars or fiddle with things.”

Habluetzel said the community wanted some form of accountability for repeat offenders.

“I think it can kind of operate where people get a warning,” she said.

“And then if they continue, then the bylaw kicks in and then enforcement can happen.

“We are quite keen to have some level of enforcement, but not making it ridiculous so that it's far too difficult for the council to administer.”

Selwyn mayor Lydia Gliddon recently attended an Arthur's Pass AGM and supported the residents' efforts, she said.

“She got up and said she supported the kea bylaw. She announced that, so we're hopeful and we will keep pushing whatever happens.”

Gliddon was approached for comment but was unable to reply by deadline.

Verry said a bylaw came with challenges.

“Once you've got the bylaw, you've got enforceability issues.

“And the question is going to be, well, who’s going to enforce it?”

He highlighted a big part of the area was managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and suggested education could be just as important.

Council would continue working with the Department of Conservation and the Arthur's Pass community as discussions continued, he said.

“I think it's a matter of maybe taking a step back and having a wider look and saying that while the bylaw sounds good, is it the most effective way?”

“I think it’s more a case of working with the public and trying to get some more signage up — don't feed the kea … and a QR code so people can scan and get some information on them.”

DOC estimates there are between 1000 and 5000 kea across the country. It states on its website feeding kea does more than alter their diet — it changes their behaviour. Birds that learn to seek food from people are more likely to congregate around roads, buildings and rubbish bins, increasing their risk of being struck by vehicles or exposed to toxic lead from roofs, buildings and ammunition residues.