the round NZ pig that became a cultural icon
- Size
- Length: 80–100 cm, Weight: 60–200 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Diet
- Herbivorous. Feeds on grasses, clover, roots, and tubers. A domesticated breed of pig, not found as a self-sustaining feral population in the wild in New Zealand. Primarily grazers rather than rooters.
- Habitat
- Farms, lifestyle blocks, pastures and paddocks throughout New Zealand. A domesticated breed, not found as a self-sustaining feral population in the wild. Requires grazing land and shelter.
- Range
- Found on farms, lifestyle blocks, and in paddocks throughout the North and South Islands. A domesticated breed, not found as a self-sustaining feral population in the wild. Most common in the North Island.
- Endemism
- Introduced
- Main Threats
- None. This is a domesticated breed, not a wild species in New Zealand. The Kune Kune is considered at risk internationally as a rare breed, with declining populations worldwide. In New Zealand, they are protected as a heritage breed.
- Population
- Domesticated breed. The Kune Kune is considered at risk internationally as a rare breed, but they are not a wild species in New Zealand. They are raised for meat, as pets and for showing.
- Conservation Status
- Introduced
The friendly, chubby pig of the Kiwi lifestyle block is a small, domesticated pig breed, with a short, upturned snout, a round, pot-bellied body and, in many individuals, two distinctive tassels (piri piri) hanging from the lower jaw. The coat colour varies widely, including black, brown, ginger, cream, and spotted, and they can grow a shaggy, woolly coat in winter.
These animals are the lawnmowers of the small farm. They are primarily grazers, eating grass, clover and other pasture plants, unlike most pig breeds that root extensively. This makes them popular with lifestyle block owners who want to keep grass down without the damage caused by rooting. They are also famously friendly and docile, often approaching humans for scratches and treats. A kune kune will follow you around the paddock, hoping for a snack.
The Kune Kune breed has a unique New Zealand story. They are descended from pigs brought by European settlers, but the breed nearly went extinct in the 1970s. A small group of dedicated breeders saved them, and today they are a beloved part of the Kiwi small-farm landscape. To see a kune kune is to see the friendly pig. A chubby, tasselled, grass-munching character that has found a happy home in New Zealand.
The name Kune Kune comes from the Māori word for fat or plump, repeated for emphasis. The breed is known for its docile temperament and its ability to thrive on pasture alone. Unlike commercial pig breeds, which require high-protein feed, kune kune can be raised on grass. That makes them popular with small-scale farmers who want to produce pork without the expense of imported feed. The breed is still rare, but its future is secure. There are now kune kune breeders in many countries, but New Zealand remains the spiritual home of the breed. The chubby pig from the South Pacific has found its niche.