New concerns are being raised about the impact of dog attacks on kororā, with conservation advocates warning the true scale of harm is likely far greater than official figures suggest.

The New Zealand Penguin Initiative says attacks on the native little blue penguin are widespread, underreported and largely preventable, pointing to gaps in reporting and awareness across coastal communities.

Available data already shows a troubling trend. Reports indicate dog attacks on penguins have been increasing in recent years, with incidents rising steadily and many involving kororā.

However, conservation groups believe these numbers only reflect a portion of the problem, as many incidents go unreported or undetected. Community reporting systems are now being promoted to better capture the scale of attacks and inform stronger protections.

Kororā are classified as at risk and declining nationwide, with dogs identified as one of the most significant threats on land. Even a single uncontrolled dog can cause fatal injuries in seconds, particularly during breeding or moulting periods when penguins are most vulnerable.

Across parts of the country, local authorities and conservation groups have recorded multiple deaths linked to dog attacks, many of which are considered avoidable with proper control measures such as keeping dogs on leads in sensitive areas.

Experts say the issue highlights a broader need for stronger compliance with dog control rules, better public awareness, and improved data collection to guide policy decisions.

The push comes as communities, iwi, and conservation organisations continue efforts to protect kororā populations, emphasising that simple actions by dog owners could significantly reduce harm to one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable seabirds.

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