Kea have reportedly been shot at a forestry site in Nelson's Golden Downs, sparking a Conservation Department investigation.

DOC would only say they were investigating a report that a group of kea had been shot but would not give more details, including whether the kea were injured or killed, until the investigation was complete.

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Nelson Forests estate value manager Andrew Karalus said the company heard about the alleged shooting last week after a crew member mentioned it to staff, and the company had passed it on to DOC. The company was helping the department find out what happened at the Golden Downs site, south-west of Nelson.

"We're gutted because we do have kea in the forest and we work to protect them," Karalus said. "I'm as interested in anyone to find out what's going on. We're outraged, to be honest."

A DOC spokeswoman said kea were classified as nationally endangered and were in decline.

"Any allegation of harm to them is taken very seriously." The maximum fine for killing protected species is $100,000 and up to a year in jail.

Kea are the world's only mountain parrot, and there are fewer than 5000 birds left, all of which are in the South Island. Researchers consider them to be one of if not the most intelligent bird species in the world, and humans can perceive them as trouble due to their curious nature and penchant for damaging equipment and cars.

The Kea Conservation Trust recently appointed Nelson-based Andrea Goodman to help resolve conflicts between humans and kea, which involves visiting sites and coming up with practical recommendations.

Karalus said Nelson Forests was working with the trust. "We pride ourselves on the way we cohabitate; we have a lot of significant areas we look after."

Goodman said the forestry crews she had dealt with would be surprised and sad to hear of the deaths if the reports were true.

"Forestry in kea habitat is just going to be one of those things where we have to work with them, and it's really disappointing to hear that this could have happened. [The forestry crews] have all been so fantastic and I think the majority of people who do work in that environment are probably into nature and the environment and will be saddened to hear this.

Goodman said forestry companies could help deter kea by not leaving food scraps around, blocking holes in vehicles, and covering wires in hosing.

"Do not feed them. At some places the guys have fed the kea when they first arrived thinking it's quite cool and fun, and then they're stuck with them."

Kea appear to be particularly pesky in the Nelson region; since the trust's conflict programme started in June 2014, 10 out of 12 "conflict reports" have been in the Motueka/Tasman/Nelson area.

Last year, Goodman set up an experimental kea playground — thought to be the first in the country — at a Nelson Forests logging site in St Arnaud to try and dissuade the birds from playing with forestry equipment.

Anyone wanting assistance with kea can contact Goodman on 021 039 4214 or by email at goodman.henderson@gmail.com. Reports of issues can also be entered on the Kea Conservation Trust Website at keaconservation.co.nz.