Meet Nighdee

Breed: Little River

Barking from: Hedgehog Detection Dog For Pest Free Banks Peninsula

Job Title: Border Terrier

What's up dog?

Nighdee is a very affectionate and hardworking border terrier, who is part of the Kaitorete pest free Banks Peninsula team. She is very good at finding hedgehogs, which is one of the 6 species of predators that are targeted to help the amazing biodiversity of this beautiful and special part of NZ. She is also most happy to be interviewed, filmed, patted, kissed and held in anyone’s arms while on her community engagement appointments. Where ever she goes, the people around her light up and forget to listen to the PFBP story because she just sweeps them off their feet. Her main job is detecting hedgehogs and communicating with her handler Karin about where they are. She has found many hedgehogs in her 1.5 year deployment, saving the lives of hundreds of birds, lizards, gecko’s and insects. She can work in any weather and she’s always ready to go and find some more. Nighdee is a wee hero for the biodiversity of Kaitorete and a very much loved little bitch everywhere she goes.

2025 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award

Judging and criteria

Purpose

This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.

Reach

Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.

Impact

What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them