05/20/2025
The conservation efforts for Kunekune pigs began in the 1970s in New Zealand, where the breed had dwindled to near extinction. A few dedicated individuals, notably Michael Willis and John Simister, recognized the cultural and genetic value of these small, friendly pigs, which had been kept by the Māori people for generations. Working with the remaining population—fewer than 50 pigs at the time—they launched a breeding program to preserve and restore the breed. As numbers slowly increased and interest grew, it became clear that international collaboration would be vital to securing the Kunekune’s future. This led to the strategic export of breeding pairs to the United Kingdom and later to the United States, where new conservation programs were established. These efforts helped ensure genetic diversity and global awareness, laying the foundation for the breed’s revival and long-term survival.
• 1995: Katie Rigby imported the first Kunekune pigs into the United States from New Zealand, including two boar lines—Boris and Tonganui—and two sow lines—Rona and Wilsons Gina. She maintained a closed herd and registered her pigs in the New Zealand registry.
• 2005: Lori Enright imported four bloodlines from the UK: two boar lines—Andrew and Te Whangi—and two sow lines—Jenny and Trish. These imports played a significant role in promoting the breed and expanding its presence in the U.S.
• 2010: Susan Drake imported the Tutaki boar line and the Rebecca Gina sow line from the UK. Additionally, Lori Enright and Tule Fog Farm imported several bloodlines directly from New Zealand, including boar lines Mahia Love, Tutanekai, Tuahuru, and Whakanui, as well as sow lines Aria Giana, Tarutaru, Tapeka, Momona, and Haunene.
• 2011–2012: Matt Burton and Christopher Rowley imported multiple bloodlines from the UK, including boar lines Ru and BH Tutaki, and sow lines Kereopa, Sally, Trish, Awakino, and BH Rebecca Gina.
• 2022: DuckDawg Creek Farm imported several bloodlines from the UK to the U.S., including boar lines Andrew, Tutaki, and Ru, and sow lines Jenny, Rebecca Gina, Kereopa, Sally, Trish, and Awakino.
