To judge from the letters we get, kids in New Zealand are very worried about the kiwi disappearing. The biggest threat, though, comes from people's dogs. If kids make sure their dogs don't go off into the bush, that is a great way to save kiwi. Interestingly, they also like things like wetas, the cricket-like insects we have over here. It's good that they realize the creatures that aren't cute and cuddly are also important.
Kiwi birds have nothing to do with kiwi fruit.
People in New Zealand are called kiwis, after the kiwi birds, which is a national emblem. When the Chinese gooseberry was grown over here, its name was changed to kiwi fruit to show it came from New Zealand. There are a heap of endangered animals in New Zealand and all are important. I do have a soft spot for wekas. Many other conservationists don't like wekas because they prey on other birds' eggs, but I find them interesting characters.