The 130-metre bird was carved into the chalk on Beacon Hill in 1919 by soldiers from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force as they waited to go home after World War One.
It was declared a scheduled monument in 2017, meaning it is recognised as an important archaeological site and is protected from destruction or change.
The last ‘refresh’ was carried out in September 2023, when an RAF Chinook helicopter delivered 100 tonnes of chalk that was raked into place by volunteers from partner groups.
The kiwi was carved by New Zealand soldiers in 1919 Since then, the carving has started to fade, which one Bulford resident says is an “insult” to the New Zealand soldiers behind it.
Liz Guy, who can see the kiwi from her bedroom window, said: “They committed their lives to help us in the First World War.
“It’s been so well maintained in the 40 years that I’ve lived here, but now it’s disappearing.”
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She wrote to the Tidworth and Bulworth garrisons to ask for information but says she did not receive a response, despite being a willing volunteer to help.
Today, the Kiwi Barracks in Bulford house the 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police (Image: Newsquest) “You can’t see it. It’s totally overgrown,” she said.
“There’s a sign up saying it was created by the New Zealand soldiers who were delayed in getting home after the war.
“Left with nothing to do, they went out and created this beautiful kiwi, but it’s gone.
“It’s been disappearing little by little, and I think it’s really sad and an insult to the soldiers.
“I would quite happily go with friends and clean it, but we’ve been told it’s Army property and can’t be done.”
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New Zealand High Commissioner Sir Jerry Mateparae unveiled a sign in 2019 to mark 100 years of the Bulford Kiwi A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The Defence Infrastructure Organisation and its partners plan to carry out work to re-chalk and clear weeds from the Bulford Kiwi later this year.
“Last year, overgrown pathways were cleared to enhance the environment around Bulford Garrison and create new walking routes to the kiwi.
“A new information board and signage were also installed.
“This followed extensive maintenance work to the kiwi in 2023, which included an RAF helicopter flying in 10 tonnes of chalk.
“We take our duty of care towards the historic environment very seriously.
“We are extremely proud to have responsibility for the maintenance of this nationally important archaeological site, protecting it from destruction or change.”