At a Southland District Council hearing earlier this week, the issue of dogs killing kiwi was highlighted by a couple of submitters.
They said dog numbers had increased on the island, many dogs were left to wander too often and owners had no knowledge of restricted areas.
Southland district councillor Jon Spraggon, who represents the Stewart Island ward, said dogs could be a problem on the island.
"It’s a very difficult one because people coming to the island like to bring their dogs, but there’s limited places where they can go", he said.
"There is a hell of a lot more dogs. It is quite noticeable. Most of the island people are pretty good, but sometimes some of the visitors aren’t."
"You’re not going to meet everyone coming off the boat or airplane."
Visiting dog owners relax on the island, and dogs can wander.
"If a dog bites a kiwi, it can do numerous damage just in a few seconds. There’s at least one or two kiwis killed every year."
Cr Spraggon said he would hate to ban dogs from the island, and it had not been actively considered. He also questioned how a ban would be enforced if it was brought in.
‘It’s one of these ones, it gets back to people being responsible. And in many cases, probably people don’t really understand fully."
He said people liked taking their dogs on holidays and brought them with them to the island.
Some dogs which lived on the island were needed for trapping work, so needed to be on the island.
He said there were signs on the island displaying rules about dogs but "dogs can’t read and neither it appears can their owners".
Dogs were not allowed in national parks, but any ban would have to have full community support. He said even if a ban was introduced, people would find a way to get the dogs on to the island, if they really wanted them.
Kiwi numbers had risen considerably in recent years in Oban.
"There was one screeching outside my bedroom just before six this morning. The kiwis are returning, down in the main township area around Doc, Stewart Island Backpackers, places like that."
Southland Mayor Rob Scott said the issue was another one where a balance between the two parties would have to be found.
But the key was to have consultation with the community and listen carefully to what they wanted.
