A conservation group says research shows the government is not putting enough money aside to save the kiwi from extinction.
A study commissioned by Kiwis for Kiwis, a charity, has found the birds are declining by 2 percent each year in areas where nothing is being done.
The charity says $11.2 million has been set aside in the government's budget for kiwi conservation in the next four years.
Its executive director, Michelle Impey, says it will cost an extra $1.3 million a year to increase the population.
She says charities will have to raise that money, which will go towards controlling predators and protecting kiwi chicks.